Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Louis thought that he had a reasonably good grasp on the way his wife’s mind worked. It was inevitable really, spending years working and living alongside her was bound to leave him at least a little attuned to the intricacies of the female psyche. That and their parents had spent the majority of their lives conspiring to make sure that they were perfectly matched.

Unfortunately it seemed that his late father neglected to mention that talented, well-bred Azuki was also tragically insane.

“I beg your pardon?” the stag spluttered, food forgotten and fork dangling limply over his plate. Meanwhile, the doe sitting across from him was still eating this evening’s main course, delicately nibbling at another piece of asparagus soufflé.

It was almost as if the conversation hadn’t just completely and hopelessly derailed after the butler had excused himself. On reflection, his wife dismissing the servants should have been a red flag that he’d walked straight into a trap.

“I simply thought it would do you good dear. Considering your interests—”

“How do you even know about that?”

“—this should be the most pleasant way for you to relax before you work yourself into an early grave,” the doe finished, as if Louis’s outburst hadn’t happened.

Louis couldn’t remember many occasions that had left him speechless. Until this very moment life with Azuki was easier than Louis had dared to hope. He could focus on running the conglomerate while his wife would attend all the obnoxious social events demanded by their station. Whether those were political galas, thinly disguised money laundering operations or simply opportunities for social climbing, he had grown to hate each and every one of them.

He’d smiled through clenched teeth and indulged yet another herd of brown-nosing herbivores come to sniff around the heir of the Horns Conglomerate, manners polished to perfection and always looking for any exploitable weakness. While Azuki strode through the hordes of animals, Louis kept all but the most obtuse lickspittles at bay by force of his glares alone. During the first few such gatherings he had to resist the urge to drink himself into mindless inebriation.

Said urge was now making its timely return with renewed vigor.

“And to answer your question, father started sending private investigators after you when you decided to disappear from Cherryton. You have to admit that it was naïve of you to think that no-one would wonder why the heir to Horns and prospective Beastar was suddenly taking a sabbatical.” Azuki glanced up for a moment before moving on to her dessert with a sound of relish. She’d always adored the taste of pineapple.

“So yes, I know about your infatuation with a certain she-wolf, as well as the fact you stopped seeing her when you decided to marry me. I think they also managed to dig up something about a past relationship with a dwarf rabbit at Cherryton. Father did order them to stop after they traced your disappearance to the Black Market. The less anyone knows about your activities there the better.” She sent another look his way, this time accompanied by a mocking tilt to her lips.

“Your food is getting cold. Is the soufflé not to your liking? Should I call back Yuta to prepare some lighter fare?”

“Do you really think I care about dinner right now? Why are you so calm about this?!” Louis barely resisted the urge to pound his fists on the table, any prospect of a normal dinner well and truly abandoned.

“If you thought I slept with a carnivore why in the world would you agree to marry me after finding out about it? I know how important our reputation is to you!” Louis had long ago noticed that Azuki, despite her cosmopolitan attitudes, had never seemed too comfortable around carnivores. An affair with a carnivore was no longer quite as socially ruinous as it had been in the past but in their circles it would’ve been sufficient cause to call off the engagement.

Having finished her dessert, Azuki was delicately dabbing her lips with her napkin, mustering him with the same vaguely puzzled look she reserved for animals who didn’t act as they ought to.

“Louis, I’d always hoped that my future husband would be someone I could grow to love or, failing that, at least find a friend and equal partner in. I had very little expectation that our marriage, arranged as it was, would result in the former but I like to think we have achieved the latter. Do you disagree?”

Moments like these always uncomfortably reminded Louis of his dinners with Oguma. Azuki was in many ways more social, friendly and warmer than his father had ever been but there had always been an eerie sense of kinship between them. When she felt the need to make a point she never failed to remind him of the way his father treated every relationship like a business transaction.

Perhaps that was why Oguma had taken such a liking to the doe? He never quite managed to connect to Louis until he was literally on his deathbed, maybe the fact his son’s fiancée seemed to think along similar lines brought him a sense of comfort?

“No. I don’t. Our marriage works better than I had hoped even with the baggage of our parents’ companies. I just don’t understand… why me? Why would you pick the buck with a latent scandal looming over his head over any other rich male deer? I literally got sick the first time we were supposed to be intimate.” He’d thought Azuki simply didn’t know about his final years in Cherryton and the various disasters that had occurred. To his knowledge the embarrassing episode during their first time that wasn’t had been the worst she had seen of him.

“To be honest I felt better about marrying you after that. I thought that you were probably just interested in men.”

For a moment Louis indulged the fantasy that this entire dinner was some bizarre nightmare his subconscious conjured up to punish him for overindulging in drink. He closed his eyes, silently counted to three and looked up.

Unfortunately his wife was still there, as tragically mad as before and watching him like he was an exhibit at a modern art gallery: with a weird mixture of confusion, amusement and mild exasperation.

“Azuki, on what planet would being gay make me a better candidate for a husband?”

Apparently he’d underestimated the doe's mechanical mind because she had her reply primed and ready.

“I wouldn’t have to worry about other female deer intruding on our relationship, there would be no potential secret love child to fight our future children for their inheritance and you wouldn’t expect me to perform my wifely duties beyond what is required for procreation. Those are more than enough perks to accept the risk of a little scandal, wouldn’t you agree?” For a moment the room was silent except for the clink of cutlery.

Louis fervently wished that he was back at the office. This conversation couldn’t possibly become any more torturous.

“Speaking of procreation, I think we should consider planning for my eventual pregnancy. I would like to announce it before New Year so I’d be grateful if you could set aside an evening next month.” Azuki was now disinterestedly studying her nails, appearing as if she was explaining basic grammar to a particularly slow toddler instead of expressing her mild disappointment in her husband’s apparent lack of same-sex attraction.

“You look pale dear. Please put down the bottle, you’ve had enough wine for the evening I believe.”

It had been years since he decided to break up with Juno and marry Azuki. He’d gotten his degree at Galdona University in record time while juggling his studies and his duties as president of the conglomerate. As always he strove to exceed even the most optimistic expectations.

He would survive this mockery of a dinner as well.

“I— No, we’re talking about that another time. Your apparent disappointment in my heterosexuality aside, why would you send your own husband to an orgy? I don’t care if this establishment is part of high society, wives don’t all but order their husbands to cheat on them!”

Ah, it seems Azuki decided that he’d finally crossed the line between amusingly slow on the uptake and irritatingly stupid. “A mask party, dear Louis, is most decidedly not an orgy. Also, cheating implies that your wife doesn’t know what you’re doing. I’ve already made a reservation for you.”

“That’s not the point!”

“Indeed it isn’t. Louis, listen to me.” Apparently whatever enjoyment Azuki derived from making him miserable had finally dried up, her refined manners for once completely absent. “You’re angry and irritable all the time. In fact, I have it on good authority that more than one of our employees unfavorably compared your prickliness to an angry hedgehog.”

“If this is about me constantly avoiding your social events—” They'd already had this discussion at least half a dozen times!

“No Louis, this is about you sniping at the servants and glaring daggers at anyone and everyone who dares to enter your line of sight!”

He couldn’t recall actually doing that but then again, Louis tended to have people on edge around him. His tenure at the drama club certainly wouldn’t be remembered because he’d been a very approachable leader. Better to concede the point and get to the core of the issue.

“I know I’ve been irritable lately Azuki. You know much work the conglomerate merger was. I caught you yelling at one of your secretaries until she was near tears! I thought you of all people would understand.”

At that his wife’s glare softened into a saddened half-smile. She reached across the table and delicately laid her hand on his, as if he was a jumpy fawn she didn’t want to scare off.

“I do understand. But Louis, It’s been months now and your temper keeps getting worse. Perhaps it would be better if you took some time for yourself and had some harmless fun?”

“And your definition of harmless fun is to attend an orgy, pardon me, a mask party?” He couldn’t quite keep the sarcasm out of his voice. Of all the ways this dinner could have gone, a discussion of his sex life or lack thereof had not been something he’d anticipated.

“Yes. I won’t lie, I don’t doubt that a significant portion of guests attend these parties to… find a partner for a night. It doesn’t have to be about that though. People go to forget about their species’ differences, to enjoy themselves without being burdened by social expectations, to feel the thrill of anonymity…”

“Speaking from experience there dear wife of mine?” He’d be damned if he was the only one who’d be forced to air some dirty laundry today.

He just got a secretive smile in return. Women. “Their drink selection is also excellent. Try their Grasshopper. It’s divine, I promise.”

Louis leaned back into his chair with a defeated sign. “Azuki, I finally feel like I have my life in order for once. Perhaps for the first time since father died.” And since Ibuki’s death, though he didn’t say that part out loud.

“Do you really think jeopardizing all this,” he indicated their well-appointed mansion with an irritated wave of his hand “is worth whatever you think I would get out of visiting this secret club of yours?”

Azuki regarded him with an unreadable expression on her face. He braced himself for yet another pointed rebuttal but his wife’s next question was quite unexpected.

“Are you truly satisfied living like this Louis?”

Louis had already opened his mouth to reply but then came up short, expression crumbling into a frown.

Apparently the momentary lull in their conversation was enough for Azuki to consider the matter settled. The doe stood up and, on her way to the dining room’s exit, handed her husband a gilded business card.

“Whatever you decide to do, you have my blessing. The passphrase is on the back of the card, talk to the bartender manning the bar on the first floor.”

While Azuki left the room, an expression on her face like she had won a momentous battle, Louis was left to study the card with a look of deep distaste.

“Café Champion? Never heard of it.”

After a moment, Louis admitted defeat with a sigh. The deer studied his cold, abandoned soufflé with mild irritation and picked up his fork.

“Might as well go and see if it’s worth the secrecy,” he thought over a bite of once delicious dinner now gone cold. Idly, he turned the card around and there it was, in his wife’s handwriting:

To Louis eternal consternation the next few days seemingly conspired to drive home Azuki’s point. He’d never had any difficulty keeping his frustrations in check and his public persona in place. Yet lately everyone and everything seemed to get under his skin. Outside of his monthly visit to the Shishigumi there was nothing he’d actually enjoyed doing.

Though thinking back even that moment was undermined both by the secrecy required to keep the papers from knowing about it and his festering anger at their continued imprisonment. He’d get his lions out of prison even if he had to break the entire justice department in the process. His private investigators turned up a few juicy tidbits but nothing too damaging yet. He needed more than a few minor scandals and salacious indiscretions for what he’d envisioned.

If someone had told him a year ago that seeing Free without his pompadour would make him want to shoot someone and stage a breakout he’d have laughed before kicking the offending party to the curb.

Now, between his social obligations, running his companies and plotting to embroil the entire country’s legal system in scandal he’d been powering through using nothing but sheer willpower and coffee.

Half of which was currently splashed across his business suit, the cup shattered on the floor. A pity really, the blue one had been one of his favorites.

Looking up from the sad collection of shards he studied one of his junior secretaries. The mare was currently frozen on the ground, her arm outstretched as if she’d hoped to catch the cup in time even as she tripped.

The look on her face spoke of someone who just saw their future career prospects go up in smoke.

For some reason he could feel his anger bubbling up again. Going by the terrified expression now on the mare’s face something must have shown in his demeanor because she was starting to shake.

“S-sir I’m so, so sorry, please let me help you clean—”

“Stop.” If he had to listen to one second more of her simpering he’d do something they’d both regret. The mortified secretary clamped down on her lips, eyes cast down and seemingly close to crying. Louis could feel the other workers trying not to stare in the dead silence that had descended on the office.

Azuki was right. This was not a sustainable state of affairs.

Deep breaths. The day was almost over.

“It happens. Just clean this up and bring me another cup, meeting room A-3. Don’t break it this time.” He turned away before the mare’s relief fully registered. This day couldn’t end soon enough.

“Yumi? Please get me one of my replacement suits. I need to get changed.”

“Yes sir, I’ll be with you in a moment.” The gazelle was already on her feet and almost out the door by the time she finished the sentence.

Louis turned on his heels and made his way to the meeting room, the workers parting around him like the Red Sea.

He could feel Azuki’s card burning a hole in his pocket all the while.

Café Champion was located near the center of uptown and despite the unassuming name the entire building was apparently dedicated to the business. That should perhaps been the first clue that it was more than it appeared to be.

Tasteful décor, gilded lettering above the entrance and across the first floor windows, a doorman out front… quite a bit of effort for a self-proclaimed café.

Louis eyed the building critically. Some parts seemed newer than the rest, signs of a recent expansion perhaps? In any case the business seemed to do well for itself.

The deer exited his car and watched his chauffeur drive away. If he ended up drinking he’d just call a taxi afterwards.

The inside of the café was as tastefully decorated as the outside. Louis could see why Azuki liked it; the hideously expensive but elegant décor would certainly appeal to her tastes.

The rhino currently manning the bar bowed as he approached.

“Welcome to Café Champion, sir. How may I help you?”

“One red mixed juice, please. I’ve heard they’re a specialty.” To the barman’s credit he barely moved a muscle, only the split second of startled stillness gave away that anything other than a normal order had just happened.

“Very well sir, if you would please follow me? Customers are required to go through a short security check. It won’t take more than a minute I assure you.” The rhino remained perfectly polite even as he waved over someone else to man the bar.

Louis noticed the approaching coyote with mild surprise. No businesses in uptown he knew about employed mixed staff. It was always either all herbivores or all carnivores.

Louis wordless followed the rhino down a flight of stairs to a small reception manned by a Labrador and a massive tiger of all animals. For a moment Louis was reminded of Bill before he brushed the memory aside. There’d be enough time for a trip down memory lane once he had some alcohol in his system.

“My apologies for the inconvenience but as a first time customer it is required for our security staff to memorize your scent. If it is agreeable I would ask you to please open your jacket.” Louis raised an eyebrow at the request. The rhino was still the image of professionalism despite the slight tension in his posture, patiently waiting for Louis to comply. Still, politely worded or not, the request was a bit intrusive.

On the other hand any herbivore too scared to let carnivores close was unsuited for this club anyway if Azuki’s description was any indication.

So Louis shrugged off his jacket and let security scent him. To their credit they kept a respectful distance; Louis was a bit surprised how little he cared. Cherryton Academy Louis would’ve been mortally offended by any carnivore trying to get close to him. He still carried the gun he used to take to school.

Such were the perks of having a rich father willing to strong-arm the headmaster in the name of security.

He quickly suppressed a wince when the tiger briefly met his eyes. He really owed Bill an apology at some point didn’t he? Any other student would’ve been expelled for pointing a gun at a fellow student. The only reason he’d gotten away with it was because no-one would take the side of a meat-head carnivore in a conflict with Cherryton’s star student and prospective Beastar.

Finally the pair nodded and stepped away in unison. “Does the fact I’m wearing cologne make a difference?” Louis was genuinely curious. He barely knew anything about how a carnivore’s senses worked. He remembered from his classes that dogs had an excellent sense of smell but he didn’t remember anything about tigers.

“I assure you it doesn’t matter. At this close a distance pretty much any carnivore can identify a scent even through heavy perfume. Our security team is chosen less for the sharpness of their noses and more for the ability to reliably remember different scents over a long time period. Most of our security team consists of carnivores and I assure you that they are carefully selected and vetted.” The rhino had relaxed significantly after Louis passed the guards’ inspection.

“At this point I will take my leave. Sebastian,” the rhino nodded to the Labrador “here will explain the rules of our party and answer any questions you might have. I hope you have a pleasant stay.”

Apparently that was the cue the Labrador needed to step forward and guide Louis through the door and into a strange mixture between lounge and dressing room.

“Here at the Night Mask Party, wearing a mask is mandatory. We have a wide selection to choose from but upon request a custom mask may be ordered. Do any of the masks on offer strike your fancy sir?” the dog inquired. For a moment Louis was reminded of Legosi’s insufferably chipper friend.

For some reason he always felt Jack’s smiles were fake. He figured it was just Jack in particular he felt an aversion to but this Labrador gave him the exact same feeling of empty happiness.

It was a deeply uncharitable thought and best discarded.

Louis inspected the masks arranged along the wall. Masks of deer, equines, bovines, dogs and wolves… he zeroed in on a lion mask he saw hanging further up.

“I’ll have the lion mask please.”

“Right away sir.”

The dog fetched a ladder from Rex knew where and handed Louis his mask with a flourish, bowing at the waist as he did so.

“Sir, before you enter the club I suggest we go over the house rules. The first rule is that carnivore customers must have a certain alcohol level, though considering you’re an herbivore this rule obviously does not apply to you. Second, taking off your own or another’s mask while in the club is strictly forbidden. Third, any attempts to identify other attendants’ identities without their express approval is not permitted. Lastly, all recording equipment and weaponry is banned from the premises, this includes camera phones. Breaking any of these rules will result in your removal from the party and may end in being banned from Café Champion altogether.” Apparently the dog was used to reciting the rules because his voice turned strangely monotonous during his little speech.

“I carry a gun for personal protection. Do I hand it to you or the security guards out front?”

“Please hand it to me and we will keep it in the safe. Could I also have your mask number? Simply return the mask to me or the attendant in charge and we’ll help you retrieve your items.”

Louis handed over his gun and phone to the Labrador and watched him hurry off to a curtained off side room. Being unarmed always made Louis slightly nervous; growing up as the future CEO and sole owner of Horns had instilled him with a certain amount of paranoia. Still, he was willing to take the dog’s talk about security at face value. Azuki wouldn’t have sent him to a club with shoddy security.

So disarmed, Louis proceeded through the door leading to the actual club and was immediately assaulted with a dizzying array of colors, scents and sounds. Club music was booming from the speakers and fighting against the noise of an incredibly chaotic collection of animals. The masks made identification impossible but it was still relatively easy to tell each species apart.

The dance floor was particularly notable. Louis had never seen so many carnivore/herbivore couples in one place.

Still, the all-out assault on his senses was quite overpowering.

“Rex, I need a drink.”

So, Louis beat a strategic retreat to the bar where an okapi bartender was serving colorful cocktails to a couple of patrons.

With Azuki’s recommendation in mind he ordered a Grasshopper and was served a pale green drink in a Champagne coupe. The bartender assured him that the alcohol content was quite low; it wouldn’t do to get too drunk around a bunch of potentially handsy strangers.

The drink itself was quite good. A silky thick texture and an overpowering taste of mint combined to crowd out the scent of other animals as well as the strange woodsy smell he couldn’t place but which followed him around since he entered the room.

Maybe he’d just stay at the bar and have a few harmless drinks? They surely had a non-alcoholic selection.

So while Louis slowly nursed his drink he watched the animals around him gyrate on the dance floor and rub against each other in every possible combination of sex and species. A few were clearly couples; others seemed to jump from partner to partner.

Azuki’s prediction of the rather amorous atmosphere was correct though. The zebra currently shoving her breasts into the face of a seemingly hypnotized tiger and her back against a rather interested wolf was almost certainly angling for a threesome.

So Louis spent quite a while people watching until he went to take another sip and found his cup empty.

A cursory look over the menu board hanging on the wall revealed quite the collection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

“I should probably take a mocktail next. No reason to get drunk right off the bat. Which one to choose though…” Louis was about to flag down the bartender when a smooth voice interrupted him.

Apparently he’d spoken out loud.

“May I buy you a drink? The Cranberry Ginger Mule and Grapefruit Sour are quite good.”

Louis turned around, ready to express his disinterest in company, and then shut his mouth with an audible click.

His first thought was that Legosi was somehow at a sex party, which was utterly ridiculous because the prudish wolf would probably rather jump off the building than enter it.

His second thought was that not-Legosi was looking at him like he was prey.

An involuntary shiver raced down Louis’s spine.

Oh no.

Chapter Text

Louis ended up ordering a Grapefruit Sour while not-Legosi in a rabbit mask sat down right next to him. The wolf was watching the flustered deer with a smile on his face, yet all Louis could think about was what Juno said to him during their last meeting.

You’ll never be satisfied with a fangless kiss again.

Well, at least this particular wolf was male, so Louis was safe on that front. He’d count his blessings and politely tell the wolf he wasn’t interested.

Said wolf was still staring at him; probably because Louis hadn’t said anything and just looked at nothing in particular for the last minute and a half.

Rex damn it.

“I appreciate the offer but—”

“What’s your name handsome?” Another shiver went down Louis’s back. Why was this situation so unsettling?

“I’m L—” Louis stopped mid-name. He’d forgotten to come up with an alias before entering Azuki’s anonymous sex party!

The deer resisted the urge to look around in search of an exit and met his own panicked stare in the bar’s mirrored back wall; the lion mask seemed to mock him for his cowardice.

“Leon. I’m Leon.”

The wolf was outright smirking now. Louis had never felt more transparently dishonest than in this very moment. It didn’t help that his stupid deer brain kept superimposing Legosi over the other wolf.

Louis casually gave the wolf what he hoped was a subtle once-over. The wolf’s toothy smirk growing that little bit wider told him he probably failed as far as subtlety went.

Objectively speaking the wolf was probably about the same size as Louis. Unfortunately he still felt taller because, unlike Legosi with his horrible slouch and meek demeanor, this wolf sat straight and oozed confidence. Age was always difficult to judge with carnivores but Louis thought the wolf was likely middle-aged.

He could imagine him looming over him as easily as Juno and Legosi once did.

Louis’s glass was empty again.

“I’m Miguel. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The wolf let his eyes wander up and down Louis body without even trying to seem subtle. Louis felt oddly vulnerable despite the distance between them.

“Am I correct in my assumption it’s your first time at a mask party?”

“It was that obvious?” Forget relaxing. In fact, forget sobriety; he couldn’t do this. Louis flagged down the bartender and ordered another drink.

The wolf’s smirk softened back into a smile, hiding his teeth again.

Louis immediately felt a pang of loss and never had he hated his frankly suicidal instincts more than in this very moment.

“The first time I was here, I was incredibly nervous too. A friend from work invited me and stayed with me until I felt comfortable,” said the wolf in a smooth, deep voice.

“I noticed you were alone and seemed a bit lost. I actually watched from the sidelines for a while, just in case you were waiting for someone.”

“No, I’m here by myself.” A split second after the words left his mouth Louis wanted to slap himself. He should’ve said that he’s waiting for a date. The wolf basically served him the perfect excuse on a silver platter!

“Is that so? In that case, would you care for some company? We could go to one of the booths; the music isn’t as loud over there.” The older wolf indicated a line of plush high-backed booths with a tilt of his head. His teeth caught some of the disco lights and Louis swore they shone like stars for just a moment.

He wanted to get closer even as a part of himself grew increasingly alarmed by the predator carelessly flashing his fangs at him.

Louis’s thoughts returned to Juno and Legosi; curse the wolves in his life for haunting him on his one night off in months.

You’ll never be satisfied with a fangless kiss again.

Miguel was still smiling at him, tail wagging softly behind him. It made Louis unreasonably angry for a moment; screw this wolf in particular.

I thought that you were probably just interested in men.

And screw his wife for planting that ridiculous thought in his head!

“Actually, I think—” Louis floundered like an idiot. Was there something wrong with the drink? He’d already forgotten what he’d ordered; his head felt like it was stuffed with cotton. Then Louis thought of his masked reflection in the mirror and his aimless thoughts quieted.

He was just a random deer whom a random wolf was currently flirting with. Louis mustered Miguel again and he swore that the wolf’s chest puffed out a little more.

Louis knew he had his wife’s blessing and anonymity. He didn’t even have to do anything beyond a pleasant chat if he didn’t want to.

“Actually, I think that’s a wonderful idea. I could use a break away from all the noise.” Louis put on his most winning smile and the wolf’s tail wagged a little faster. Good, he’d spent years and significant effort on refining his charm until it was his best weapon.

He’d be damned if he let some random canine lead him around by the nose just because he was feeling maudlin and nostalgic. Maybe a wolf wearing a white rabbit mask just reminded him so much of both Legosi and Haru that his thoughts were getting away from him?

Miguel looked like he just won the lottery and led him to a nicely upholstered booth near the back of the club. The din and music really quieted down significantly, Louis had no idea how they achieved that effect while still allowing the patrons to keep the dance floor and bar in their line of sight.

Louis let his eyes drift to the uneven ceiling and mustered the decorative plants strategically dotted around the area. Whoever designed the acoustics in this club was a savant; they’d clearly known what they were doing.

The booth itself seemed pretty cozy, the design clearly intended for couples rather than groups. Louis noticed the toothy smile creeping back onto Miguel’s face.

Well, two could play that game. He hadn’t gotten anywhere in life by being meek after all.

When the wolf sat down Louis made sure to sit right next to him. They were almost touching and Louis thought he saw Miguel’s fingers twitching. The wolf had large hands fit for a predator. Louis idly noticed that unlike most carnivores in their ever-so-polite society, his claws currently weren’t filed down.

Was it odd that he kind of wanted to know how they’d feel against his skin?

Juno was right. Louis was lost, utterly and irrevocably.

It felt pretty good at the moment though. Or maybe that was the alcohol; for some reason all the drinking he’d unwisely done never seemed to increase his resistance to the stuff.

Apparently the wolf hadn’t expected him to be so forward though. He couldn’t quite hide his surprise before the confident expression was back on his face as if nothing happened.

The entire process only took a moment. Honestly, Louis thought he’d make a good actor with physical discipline like that.

Louis took another sip of whatever it was he’d ordered and enjoyed the burn at the back of his throat. Whatever this drink was, rum was definitely part of it.

Well, the curtain has lifted; it's time for Act One.

Louis gave the wolf his best smoldering look and saw his smile widen a fraction in response. His tail was motionless; but unnaturally so. He was clearly holding himself back. Good.

Louis could work with that.

“So, now that you’ve got me, why don’t you tell me what brought a big bad wolf like yourself to a mask party?” Louis hoped that Miguel would be a good boy and feed the harmless deer some information about himself.

“Well, I wanted to relax for the evening and thought I could do so at the club. There’s music, dance, wonderful drinks and charming company. What’s not to love?”

Louis thought the wolf looked at him with something like hunger. He may be an herbivore but he understood hungering for another. A perk of having lived among lions he supposed.

The small, terrified part of him that hadn’t been silent since the wolf first appeared next to him was still there, at the back of his mind. Whatever passed for his survival instinct was desperately begging Louis to stop talking and run for the exit before the wolf leaned in and took a bite.

The deer crushed the urge mercilessly even as he enjoyed the slow trickle of adrenaline into his alcohol infused bloodstream. Yeah, there was definitely something wrong with him and yet he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“And as your charming company you chose the lonely stag at the bar?” Louis couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow in challenge. If this was a Black Market bar Louis would’ve asked him if he liked venison.

Chances were that kind of talk wouldn’t be appreciated here though. It was a shame, really. Louis would’ve loved to see the wolf’s reaction. Would he see a horrified grimace with eyes blown wide? Or would the wolf struggle to keep his hunger contained after having it dragged out in the open?

“What can I say? Handsome herbivores are my weakness and I’m a weak man.” Not yet he wasn’t.

But maybe Louis could take him there.

What had he been so afraid of? He’d seen a pride of lions glut themselves on meat until they were drunk with it. He’d eaten some himself, even.

A single wolf was nothing in comparison. Louis felt the strange urge to giggle at the absurdity of it all.

“Would you like another?”

Louis followed the wolf’s gaze to his glass. Empty again; how did that keep happening?

“Hmm, I really shouldn’t. I’m not good with alcohol.” True, it tended to loosen his lips and his inhibitions when he didn’t drink enough to knock himself out.

“I’ll keep that in mind. You haven’t yet told me what you hope to find tonight. Do regale me with the tale of how a deer like you ended up at a party like this.” Somehow the wolf’s hand had ended up on Louis’s leg, innocently resting on his thigh. Louis considered moving it but decided that he liked the look of grey against maroon.

He wanted to see if he could get Mr. Smooth Operator’s mask to crack a little.

“A good friend told me to take an evening off and find a carnivore to fuck.” It was true, in a sense. The fact he was married to said friend was beside the point.

Apparently that hadn’t been what Miguel expected to hear. The wolf’s expression was frozen and he stared at Louis with his mouth open, as if he’d wanted to reply before the sentence completely processed.

It was hilarious and Louis couldn’t contain himself anymore. He started giggling and tried to smother it with his hands while the wolf was visibly struggling to decide on a course of action. Louis probably ended up scandalizing some well-bred, upper crust wolf used to an endless back-and-forth of teasing and courtship.

Then he noticed Miguel lick his lips while his free hand’s claws were digging into the fabric of the wolf’s pants.

Maybe the canine wasn’t so well-bred after all.

The wolf took a deep swallow of his drink and cleared his throat, licking his lips again. All Louis could see were rows of sharp teeth and he wondered how this wolf would react if the deer were to press him against the wall of the drama club’s office.

Would he fold like Legosi did or would he fight back? Louis would love to find out.

This was great, he hadn’t had this much excitement in months. Why did he ever even hesitate for a second?

Laughter successfully suppressed, Louis decided to throw caution to the wind and turned to face the wolf fully. His eyes looked so big, even with the mask in the way. As Louis got closer his pupils kept expanding.

“Not the answer you were expecting I take it?” They were so close. If he wanted he could count the wolf’s eyelashes.

“I— No, in all honesty I didn’t expect you to be quite so direct,” the wolf was laughing now, looking a little awkward and scratching at the back of his head. Were mannerisms like this just universal for grey wolves? “Though I did notice you were quite the unusual herbivore.”

Now that had Louis draw back a little. “What do you mean?”

“You haven’t noticed? You’re not avoiding my eyes.” the wolf said, pointedly keeping their gazes locked. “Every herbivore I’ve ever met avoids looking a carnivore in the eyes. Even those who actually want a carnivore to hunt them down.” Was Louis mind playing tricks on him or did the wolf’s voice get deeper?

Louis licked his suddenly too dry lips. He could feel the anticipation building up in his body, like a spring wound too tight.

“Your hunting instincts must be dulled by age then. There’s a deer practically sitting in your lap and you’re not doing anything. Do you expect me to serve myself on a silver platter?” Louis heard a sound like fabric ripping and saw that Miguel’s claws had dug in a little too deep, now the wolf’s pants had a rather ugly tear in them. Louis also noted that Miguel wasn’t touching him anymore, hands all kept to himself like a big puppy trying to play nice.

There was just something deliciously perverse about a predator playing at being harmless.

“You— Hah, you’re really quite something aren’t you?” The wolf seemed a little lost for words already; Louis hadn’t even gotten started yet. “Are you sure you know what you’re offering?” The wolf had apparently abandoned subtlety, emptying his glass in one big gulp. Louis was mesmerized by the motion of his Adam’s apple.

“I’m not offering anything. If there’s something you want you’ll just have to take it.” Louis was fascinated by the battle happening just behind Miguel’s eyes. The wolf’s pupils had dilated so far they were almost swallowing the iris.

It was utterly captivating to see a carnivore wrestle with his hunger. Louis could watch the wolf struggle with his instincts for days.

If only they had the time.

“Nothing? For shame, I guess I’ll get another drink then.”

Louis was just about to stand up when the wolf’s hands shot out like snakes and drew him back in, depositing him straight in Miguel’s lap. The wolf was outright growling now.

Louis tensed for only a second before relaxing into his greedy hold; why did carnivore voices have this effect on him?

The wolf had Louis caged in with his arms and now proceeded to bury his head in the deer’s neck. Louis could feel the blood rush in his veins and his heart was pounding in his ears like drum. Yes, the mask would make biting very awkward, but if the wolf lost his reason Louis would almost certainly be fatally injured before security got to them.

He could feel the wolf take deep breaths, rubbing his nose right against Louis throat and pulse points. Was Miguel scenting him? The deer thought he felt something wet against his fur but he was pretty sure the wolf hadn’t bitten him.

Miguel pulled away and looked into Louis’s eyes again, manners forgotten. His mouth was slightly open and his fur was a mess where he’d rubbed himself against Louis.

Oh. He was drooling. Just a whiff of herbivore was enough to turn the confident wolf into a predator barely clinging to reason.

Louis did that; he felt all the more powerful for it too. True, the wolf could rip him to shreds but Louis was the one holding the metaphorical leash. He wanted to toy with and tease the wolf’s instincts until he lost his mind.

Meanwhile said wolf’s hands had found purchase against the deer’s backside and pulled him closer, crushing their chests together. Louis could feel the wolf’s excitement pressing against his lower body.

Louis knew that he was approaching the edge of a precipice. If he pushed just that tiniest bit further the wolf was bound to either maul him or mount him in full view of the other party goers. They’d need to get a room.

Did the club even have private rooms for rent? Louis didn’t remember seeing any on the way in.

The wolf’s muttering drew him out of his thoughts. “Can I— May I—,” for a moment Louis furrowed his brows until he noticed the wolf was no longer seeking eye contact.

He was focusing on Louis mouth.

Louis put on his best flirting smile and leaned in until they were almost touching. The wolf really did have pretty eyes, though in his current state of excitement they’d lost quite a bit of their once-piercing quality.

“Go ahead.” It was barely a whisper and yet the reaction was instantaneous.

Louis had forgotten what a truly passionate kiss was like. It was electric. Having to work around the masks made it sloppy and awkward but it was still so much better than he remembered.

He’d probably have wolf saliva all over his face later yet worry was the furthest thing from his mind. All he wanted was to keep chasing the heat he felt in his belly.

His wolf seemed to feel similarly considering he was currently doing his best to map Louis mouth with his tongue. Not to be outdone, Louis returned the favor and Miguel let out a growl that felt so incredibly loud to Louis’s ears.

Slowly, delicately, he deepened the kiss. He didn’t actually want to cut his tongue on those big, sharp teeth. Who knew what the taste of herbivore blood in his mouth would do to the desperate canine whose self-control was visibly hanging by a thread.

He carefully brushed close to those horrible fangs anyway. The roar of blood in his ears was deafening, the rush of adrenaline intoxicating.

Sadly, breathing wasn’t optional. The pair had to regretfully part and come up for air, Miguel’s chest heaving like he’d run a race. The ever present hunger was still there, yet lust and blood lust were visibly fighting a frenzied battle in the wolf.

“Delicious.” A split second later his clouded eyes grew wide with horror when he realized his slip up. The wolf’s body grew rigid and he looked ready to bolt, watching Louis and waiting for the inevitable condemnation.

Louis just smiled wider. “Am I? Then by all means, help yourself.”

Miguel looked at him like the deer had just plucked a star from the skies for him. Louis felt—

A phone rang somewhere close by and both animals jumped as if a bomb had gone off. Miguel quickly scrabbled with his pants, fishing out a cheap looking, positively ancient flip phone.

“I’m sorry, I— that ringtone is reserved for the director; I really have to take this.”

Louis watched in bemused silence as the wolf had a clipped, hushed conversation with whoever interrupted them; slowly, the wolf’s face fell. Louis knew the look Miguel was sporting; it was the look of a man who knew he wouldn’t get his way.

Miguel finally finished his call and cleared his throat; the atmosphere had grown awkward and the mood was thoroughly ruined.

“So, turns out I won’t have the day off tomorrow after all. I’m sorry, I mean…” Miguel’s excuse dissolved into indistinct mumbling as he slumped in his seat.

Louis would admit, if only to himself, that he was a tad miffed. The wolf had left him in quite a state.

His eyes strayed to the canine’s crotch. At least he wasn’t alone in his predicament.

“I understand. Well, thank you for keeping me company. I think I’ll just get another drink at the bar before I head–” Louis was already starting to rise, figuring that despite the disappointing ending the evening unexpectedly hadn’t been a total disaster. In fact, it had been surprisingly nice up until now. Maybe he’d have better luck next time?

“I’ll be here again Saturday evening next week!” The wolf burst out, looking determined even in the face of defeat.

Louis hesitated. He hadn’t actually meant to hook up tonight at all, had he? With whatever nostalgia fueled spell had gripped him gone he could make a clean exit.

The wolf was looking at him pleadingly, hunched over and with his hands folded in his lap. In that moment Louis thought that he really was the spitting image of his former classmate. When did he develop such a soft spot for sad canines?

Well, Azuki did insist that he needed some excitement in his life, didn’t she?

“I'll be seeing you next week then, 8 pm sharp. Wear the rabbit mask again and I’ll wear my lion mask.” Ah, the wolf’s tail was going a mile a minute. Canines were such excitable animals. There was something heady about an animal like Miguel behaving like an overeager puppy just to stay in Louis’s good graces.

He leant in and gave the wolf a little peck on the cheek, snickering when the wolf’s ears shot up. He sat up straight and smiled at Louis, confidence visibly swelling the wolf’s chest.

“See you next week.” Louis rarely sashayed unless he was on stage, but he gave it his best shot while leisurely making his way to the bar. He considered adding a bit more swagger but didn’t want to risk it in his tipsy state.

A drunken stumble would ruin the image he wanted to project.

Louis felt the burning gaze of a certain wolf all the way to the bar’s counter and caught a glimpse of his tail exiting through the doors as he sat down. The bartender had noticed the deer’s approach and was already heading his way.

Louis would make sure to buy a nice bouquet of lilies for Azuki first thing tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Unfortunately for Louis he did not manage to go out and get those lilies first thing the next morning. Instead he sat over a cup of coffee, head in hand and feeling profoundly sorry for himself. Why was he cursed with such a miserably low alcohol tolerance? In such moments he really hated his fragile herbivore body and its inadequate liver.

It did wake fond memories of the first Shishigumi bar crawl he’d attended though. He recalled how Free ended up vomiting all over Agata after making a heroic effort to beat Dolph in a drinking contest. Fun times were had by all, including Agata, once he got changed anyway.

Now if only he could will away his stabbing headache.

The trademark sound of high heeled feet was swiftly approaching Louis’s location. Should he try and hide? Was it even worth the effort?

“Well, look who the cat dragged in. There appears to be a hung over stag in my dining room.” Louis blearily looked up and noticed Azuki’s pinched frown. He once told her that she looked like an old librarian with that expression and it was the closest his wife had ever come to slapping him.

“Louis, I have guests in about three hours. Usually we’d eat brunch in the garden but it looks like rain; I’ll be needing this room soon. Tell me, what’s got you looking so glum dear husband?” the doe inquired while moving to take some coffee for herself.

Louis had another sip of coffee in lieu of a reply. Maybe he could simply not engage and Azuki would get bored?

“Shall I take a guess? You wasted the evening by pouting at the bar, drinking way too much alcohol and glaring at anyone who dared to pay you a compliment?” Oh good, Azuki was feeling snippy this morning. What a dreadful way to start the day.

“I’ll have you know that the first animal to pay me a compliment had my tongue down his throat about twenty minutes later.” He took another deep swallow of coffee. Ah, caffeine, love of his life, balm for his soul. “Also, be nice to your husband. I’m hurting and I still plan to buy you a nice bouquet of lilies as a thank-you gift for last night.”

He noticed a curious absence of nagging and shot a suspicious look towards his wife; the doe was frozen mid-motion with a croissant in her hand. She caught herself a second later and delicately placed her pastry back down.

“That certainly exceeded my expectations, congratulations. Try not to drink too much next time my dear.” Husband and wife shared a few precious moments of silence and Louis almost dared to hope that the conversation was over.

“Wait, what did you mean with ‘his throat’ Louis?”

Louis had really hoped that he wouldn’t need to have this conversation this morning. With his reason no longer mercifully dulled by alcohol he’d already spent a good portion of it staring at his ceiling in shock. He’d then wasted another precious few minutes screaming into his pillow in horror and frustration.

Why didn’t he ask Yuta for breakfast in bed?

“The throat is part of the neck, internally positioned in front of the vertebrae and in most animals—” If Azuki insisted that he had to suffer the he would at least be petty about it.

“Louis!” Said deer gave another wince as his headache intensified. Ah well, he tried.

“The animal I met at the party is a very charming male wolf. No, I don’t know what came over me; yes I’ll be meeting him again.” And he would stay sober this time, no matter how much he dreaded the prospect.

“Well, I’m still happy you enjoyed yourself. I thought you weren’t interested in men though?” His wife was mustering him intently. Oh no, Azuki was interested; this could only end badly for him.

“Thank you, so did I. It’s quite the revelation, please leave now.”

Azuki did not, in fact, leave. Louis was waiting for the other shoe to drop with an air of dread; Azuki could give a pack of bloodhounds a run for their money. Once she identified a weakness she would refuse to drop it until she was satisfied.

“So, would you say he’s well endowed?” the doe inquired with a twinkle in her eyes.

Not a second later a number of confused servants observed Louis’s frantic flight to the garage amidst a doe’s delighted laughter.

The primary reason Louis’s family employed a full-time chauffeur was to enable both his and his wife’s workaholic tendencies. Those were also the reason why there were dedicated charging stations for their work phones and laptops installed in the car.

The old, beaten up laptop innocently sitting next to the stag was most definitely not one of them. He’d dug out the one he used in his position as the Shishigumi’s chief. It was already encrypted, set up for anonymity and would serve his purposes wonderfully.

In the privacy of his own thoughts Louis wondered whether he was being overly paranoid.

He then resolved to make sure the security software on the laptop was up to date, just in case.

The central reason for Louis’s surging paranoia was that, amongst all the other horrible decisions he made while inebriated, he now had a date with a male carnivore. Unfortunately the intimate anatomy of male carnivores was completely foreign to the deer who, having had no such interests before, was completely clueless as to how to even go about being intimate with one.

Louis told himself that he was most definitely not looking forward to fixing this particular knowledge deficit; any feelings to the contrary were merely due to morbid curiosity.

So satisfied with his rationale the deer had employed the magic of Zoozle to look for medical diagrams first. If he approached this form an objective angle then maybe his face would feel less like it was about to erupt in flames.

Ideally he would have conducted his research in his bedroom instead of having the driver take the scenic route to the city; unfortunately this presented the problem that his wife was currently home and hosting a brunch for her friends.

Louis freely admitted that he lacked the necessary strength of will to watch wolf porn in preparation for his affair while his wife was entertaining her friends downstairs.

Particularly after the debacle that was breakfast.

Unfortunately the diagrams were not telling him much about the actual mechanics, so to speak. And the other search results were less than informative. Maybe he should bite the bullet and stop dancing around the issue?

He was proud of his companies but he doubted that the software engineers at Zoozle had planned for the eventuality that their boss would try look up a guide to interspecies sex… by confusing their search engine with every euphemism he could think of, apparently.

A glance through the tinted windows told him that he had about fifteen minutes left until they reached uptown if there were no traffic jams.

Ten minutes later Louis had bookmarked a forum intended for those interested in interspecies relationships as well as several videos he planned to watch for research purposes.

A crackle of static made him jump in his seat even as he reflexively slammed the laptop shut. “Sir, we’ve arrived. Should I wait outside? I don’t see any parking spaces here.” Most of the smaller shops around uptown didn’t have parking spaces; the fees were just too high.

“Just drive around the block once Felix, I won’t be long.”

“Very good sir.”

Louis exited the car and entered Eve’s Garden, a high-end shop tucked away in one of the quieter corners of uptown Cherryton.

He could’ve gotten lilies elsewhere, but it was more about who was selling them.

The florist currently manning the shop was, as expected, a white dwarf rabbit. She was currently ringing up her latest customer and looked up when the bell above the door announced Louis’s arrival.

“Louis!”

Said deer had barely stepped away from the door before a rabbit-shaped missile launched itself at his midsection. The poor old owl on her way out the door got startled so badly she almost dropped her potted gerberas; Louis mouthed a silent apology to the frowning bird.

“Haru, how are you doing?” Louis tactfully ignored Haru’s futile yet enthusiastic attempt at crushing his ribs and dislodged the rabbit from his suit. Her eyes were positively sparkling with happiness.

Ah, he’d missed her. Why hadn’t he invited her and Legosi over for dinner months ago?

“Where have you been? You haven’t visited in months!” Haru playfully started beating at Louis’s chest, or at least attempted to. The image of the little dwarf rabbit trying to intimidate the stag would’ve been comical if anyone had been here to see it.

“Have mercy Haru, I’ve been busy. Corporate mergers take time, you know. Both Azuki and I have been fairly busy until recently.” Louis resisted the urge to lift the pouty rabbit up by the arms; Haru always hated being treated like a child because of her diminutive size. She wouldn’t appreciate it and as fun as teasing Haru could be he did come with an actual purpose in mind. “Actually, I wanted to get a nice bouquet for Azuki. Do you think you could help me?”

The rabbit’s eyes gained a shrewd gleam as she mustered him. “Oh Louis, did you do something? Need a little flower power to calm down your angry wife? Don’t worry; Eve’s Garden got you covered. Anything specific you’re looking for?”

“White lilies please, they’re her favorite. And it’s a thank-you gift, not an apology. Azuki was very considerate recently. I just thought I should reciprocate.”

Haru smiled mischievously at the deer. “Oh, we get many customers who want to thank their wives for being… considerate. They usually get red roses though.” Of course Haru would immediately jump to conclusions.

“Haru, you already know it’s not like that. Don’t make me explain this in public.”

“Ohhh, it’s that naughty huh? Wow, Azuki must be a freak in bed.” the rabbit said as she waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“Haru!”

“It’s fine, there are no other customers. Don’t be such a wet blanket Louis. Here, let me get those lilies for you.” Haru merrily skipped off and disappeared behind a couple of planters, nothing but her ears being visible between the rows and rows of artfully arranged flowers.

Louis gratefully used the opportunity to take a look around. Eve’s Garden was much larger than their storefront suggested; they could likely give the exhibits at the Cherryton Botanical Gardens a run for their money. The sheer breadth of plant species on offer was also surprising; outside the standard flowers for bouquets they had several orchids, succulents, trees, ponds and aquariums full of aquatic plants and… were those mushrooms?

Despite taking pride in his education Louis readily admitted that botany wasn’t his strongest subject. That had always been Haru’s forte; the rabbit was as fascinated by plants as her boyfriend was by insects.

In that sense they were oddly well matched; maybe fate did bring them together after all?

He didn’t even notice that Haru was done until the rabbit tugged at his pants. “Earth to Louis! I went and assumed the president of Horns would want to be generous; I picked flowers for a large bouquet if that’s all right with you.”

“Wonderful. Can you ring me up, please? By the way, how’s the degree going?”

“I submitted my thesis last week and will get the result soon. I’m still not sure whether to stay for my PhD or try and apply for a job.” Haru still sounded chipper but her ears were drooping slightly.

“What’s the problem exactly?” He reflexively offered a hand as Haru climbed her ladder to reach the till; the shop clearly wasn’t designed with small animals in mind.

Then again, if a store owner had to choose between having the cashier use a ladder and having the customers bow down while talking they’d probably rather inconvenience their staff. It was one of the unfortunate realities of business.

“I’d like to aim for a higher post at the botanical gardens and they prefer applicants with a PhD. Absolutely no-one else in that field asks for one though; if I don’t get the position and need to apply somewhere else it’s basically years of effort wasted. I really don’t want to work for one of those agricultural enterprises or a biopharmaceutical drug company.”

That dilemma could be solved quickly with a pinch of nepotism; Louis didn’t hesitate for even a second.

“Azuki is on the board of advisors for the Cherryton Botanical Gardens; we’re one of their largest donors too. I could just put in a good word—”

“I do not want hand-outs Louis! I hate it when other people get ahead of me just because their uncle knows the dean; I will not be a hypocrite!” Haru stamped her little foot before quickly grabbing the cash register as the ladder gave an alarming creak.

Her cheeks puffed out adorably whenever she was upset, she really was too precious. Not that Louis would ever say that out loud; he rather liked his eardrums intact.

Instead, Louis had his hands up in surrender, trying to calm the tiny herbivore. “It was just a suggestion. Something to discuss next time we have you and Legosi over for dinner. Azuki has been bothering me about my inexistent social life lately and she already knows Legosi from when he was my best man.”

He could always drop a hint or twelve with Azuki later. What the rabbit didn’t know, the rabbit wouldn’t rage over.

He pulled a bill from his wallet and went to hand it over when he saw Haru slumped over and completely despondent. “Sorry, I wanted to invite you over months ago but,” Oh no, did he say something wrong?

“It’s not that. I just—” Haru bit her lip and looked up at Louis. “I just really need to talk to someone and I don’t know who. It’s about Legosi, so I can’t talk to him; my family doesn’t know the first thing about carnivores so I can’t go to them either.”

And the last part of Haru’s plea was said so quietly Louis almost missed it, “…I don’t have any other friends I can talk to.”

The rabbit looked close to crying and Louis was genuinely worried someone would come in and see Haru dissolve into a flood of noisy tears.

Luckily, getting people out of their workplace for an apparently long overdue day off was one of those problems money could solve very neatly.

“Haru, does your shop do deliveries?”

“…What? Yes, we do but what does that have to do with anything?”

“How about you call someone to cover for you and you deliver these flowers for me. Say, to the Horns Estate? The trip will take a while but I promise I’ll tip very generously.”

He leaned in closer to the rabbit’s ears and whispered; “We can talk in the car and later over tea at the mansion. Take the day off; you obviously need it.”

Haru was still sniffling but the gears were obviously turning in her head. Then her face settled into a steely-eyed, determined expression as she placed the bouquet on the counter.

“Edith still owes me a bunch of favors; she’s in the back doing inventory. I’ll go and get her. Wait outside for me please.”

The rabbit hopped down from the ladder and gave the deer a grateful smile. “Thanks Louis. I knew I could count on you.”

Five minutes later the pair was on their way back to the Horns Estate, sitting next to each other in Louis’s plush limousine. One of the cup holders in the car had been repurposed as a flower vase by Haru while Louis instructed his chauffeur to take the direct route back to the mansion.

“So, we have about half an hour. Do you want to tell me what’s got you in such a state? I thought you and Legosi were doing fine last time we talked.”

Haru was morosely staring out the window, watching the city buildings zip past them.

“Louis, Legosi and I started dating while you were hunting that Gazelle hybrid, remember?”

Louis blinked at the question, caught off guard. As far as broaching delicate topics went this was certainly an odd point to start the discussion.

“Yes, I remember. Legosi told me when I asked him to be my best man. He was over the moon with happiness. Why do you ask?”

“Legosi and I had a fight after I pointed out how long we’ve been engaged. Well, not quite a fight. I was yelling at Legosi and he agreed with everything I said. It was rather one sided.”

“…You are upset because Legosi didn’t yell back…?” Was this another quirk of certain women Louis was too sane to understand?

“If you had to guess, what do you think is it I hate most in the world?” The rabbit was fiddling with her ears now, a nervous habit Louis had first observed when they were still in a relationship. She’d stopped being nervous around him once they agreed that their mutual romantic attraction wouldn’t go anywhere; seeing her pick the habit back up made him vaguely uncomfortable.

“Being treated like you’re helpless. I spent so many afternoons with you in the garden shed, listening to you complaining about other students and faculty refusing to take you seriously.”

“Yeah. I hate it. I hate being treated like a child; like I need people’s protection because I’m so very fragile.”

Oh. Louis knew that feeling. He’d fought against it ever since his father had bought him and brought him home from the Black Market.

The deer’s heart swelled with sympathy. It was one of the qualities that first drew him to Haru; the lengths she would go to in order to get even the smallest shred of respect from their fellow students.

“And well, you know how Legosi is.” Haru was laughing now, though it was a profoundly sad sound. She seemed to collect herself for a second and then, in a ridiculously deep voice, bellowed:

“To protect herbivores is a carnivore’s sacred duty!”

Louis burst out laughing despite himself, clutching at the cushion to keep himself steady as the car took a turn onto the highway. “Was that supposed to be Legosi? Haru, that was awful!”

The rabbit was giggling too, a little less sad than before. Still, she wasn’t nearly as carefree as she had been in the flower shop.

Whatever had happened seemed to weight heavy on the rabbit’s shoulders.

“Louis, how often have you and Azuki had sex?”

Louis choked on air at the question, coughing uncontrollably as he pounded his chest. Thankfully he hadn’t been drinking anything or Felix would’ve been left with quite a mess to clean up. The goat was always terribly annoyed when one of his passengers made a mess of the upholstery.

“Why in the world do you want to know that?” Why were so many people suddenly overly interested in the stag’s sex life?

“Just answer the question please. You’ll understand in a second.”

Louis gave a groan of aggrieved annoyance in reply, slumping in his seat. “Fine. We slept together once. It was, quote unquote, a trial run for our first child. Azuki wanted to make sure I could actually get her pregnant without having to involve a hospital for artificial insemination.” It was the most awkward sex he’d ever had and the stag was not looking forward to doing it again next month.

Louis was secretly quite proud that he didn’t get sick again. To her credit, Azuki had mercifully chosen not to comment on either his performance or his use of certain pharmaceutical enhancers. He still had a few pills left over for next month so he would be spared another humiliating trip to the pharmacy at least.

“I’m quite jealous to be honest. That’s one time more than Legosi and I.”

The silence in the car was positively deafening, broken only by the odd traffic noise.

“So you haven’t… what, at all?”

“No. Nothing beyond using our hands or mouths, not even once. Louis, it’s driving me mad! We’ve been dating for years now and just getting him to share a bed was a herculean effort. In the beginning he had nightmares, which I could at least still empathize with. Once I spilled tomato juice on the futon and when Legosi woke up he freaked out because he thought he’d eaten me in his sleep.” Louis recognized what was happening; Haru was starting to talk herself into a rage.

Louis decided to just let her do so. Letting Haru vent and get it all off her chest would be better than constantly bottling it up. These things had the tendency to fester and become worse over time; Haru didn’t need any neuroses in addition to whatever was going on in her relationship with Legosi.

“He makes me handcuff him to the bedframe at night! Sometimes he even wears a muzzle to bed! One of his earliest gifts after we moved in together was a very expensive Taser for small animals; I thought it was nice for him to be worried about my safety until he made it clear I was supposed to use it on him!” Haru started crying again and tugging at her ears so hard Louis was actually worried she’d pull some of her fur loose.

Louis couldn’t remember ever seeing Haru so upset.

“I know that relationships between carnivores and herbivores can be dangerous.” The rabbit stated almost mulishly. Louis got the feeling that more than one person had taken it upon themselves to tell Haru what they thought of her decision. “I know that there is always a chance, however small, that Legosi could hurt or eat me even if he doesn’t mean to.”

“I’ve accepted that. I’ve accepted even the small part of myself that wants to be eaten just so I don’t have to be afraid anymore. I wasn’t easy Louis; I like being alive. I have so many things I still want to do and experience; the thought I could lose it all at the hands of someone I love is terrifying. When I finally decided to commit myself to this relationship I panicked so much I thought I couldn’t breathe.” The rabbit seemed to shrink in on herself as she gave her ears another vicious tug, only the seatbelt prevented her from entirely hiding her face.

“Haru, stop! You’re hurting yourself.”

Louis pulled the rabbit’s hands away from her now badly mangled ears, checking to make sure she hadn’t broken skin. There was a worrying amount of loose rabbit fur on the car’s seat and on Haru’s hands but she seemed otherwise unharmed. Haru was clutching at him now, trying to bury her head in his chest.

“I try so hard to be patient for him but it’s never enough. He puts me on such a pedestal; sometimes I wonder if he wouldn’t prefer a statue of me he can pray to. It’s like he completely forgot the first thing I did was try to seduce him in the gardening club shed!”

“To be fair, Legosi can be pretty simple-minded; he likely really did forget.”

Haru made a spirited attempt at laughter that unfortunately fell flat; Louis had never been a good comedian.

“It’s not just that though. I could live with only giving him hand-jobs or oral while he’s restrained. Not forever, but I could wait a while longer. But there are other problems too. I know it’s not fair to blame him for all of it but he won’t really confront them with me either.”

“For example, I know Legosi and I are physically compatible.” Louis shifted a little uneasily in his seat; he really didn’t want to know details about Legosi’s physical attributes. “It’s close but he’s not the largest male I’ve been with. I have toys I could use to prepare myself if he’d ever actually let me sleep with him!” raged the diminutive herbivore, ignoring that her compatriot had started to shift awkwardly in his seat.

When exactly did this conversation become a discussion about Legosi’s…size? Louis’s eyes strayed to his beaten old laptop half hidden behind a cushion. Oh no, that train of thought wouldn’t do at all. Not while his friend was currently crying her eyes out because her apparently hung wolf fiancée didn’t want to sleep with her.

“Ah, you probably don’t want to hear about that part, sorry Louis.” Haru used the opportunity to grab a tissue and clean herself up. She’d always been an ugly crier and Louis was glad Haru wasn’t in the habit of using cosmetics. She would’ve been a hopeless mess after this.

“Long story short, I can’t have children with Legosi; I checked with my gynecologist. After I told her my boyfriend was a grey wolf she gave me a long lecture about the health problems hybrid children can develop. That entire speech is actually state mandated too; I had her show me the paragraph!” Haru seemed outraged for a moment before collapsing back into sadness.

“Point being that our size difference is too great. Rabbits bear litters so if we breed with larger rabbits or hares, female rabbits can undergo artificial insemination. Then we have only one embryo implanted at a time to prevent complications. But with Legosi being a grey wolf not even that would help; I’d miscarry without a doubt.”

The rabbit shot him a wobbly smile. “If I were a grey wolf and Legosi a dwarf rabbit it wouldn’t be a problem. But the way we are the only thing that could work would be a grey wolf as a surrogate.”

“Then why not do that? If it’s a money issue I’ll help you out.” the stag interjected hopefully. Maybe he could use the opportunity to get Legosi a better job too. Yes, the animals at Udon Bebebe were very nice; that didn’t change the fact that working as a delivery boy was a waste of Legosi’s talents.

“No, that’s not it. There are laws against hiring surrogates for hybrid children. Apparently mixed couples separate too often and their children end up in foster care; the government doesn’t want to waste resources on creating more hybrids. Adoption is nearly impossible too, there are restrictions for mixed couples trying to adopt.”

Now Louis was actually getting pissed. “Whether the fucking government wants hybrid children or not shouldn’t matter! What should matter is if you and Legosi—”

“Legosi doesn’t want them either.” the rabbit morosely interjected.

Louis righteous outrage deflated in an instant. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Legosi says he’s not sure if he even wants children. His mother—” Haru bit her lip and looked away.

“Sorry, I can’t say; Legosi needs to tell you himself. Let’s just say that Legosi is worried about the problems hybrid children experience, both through discrimination and because of their biology. I think meeting and fighting Melon made it even worse.” Apparently both of their families’ histories were a minefield of trauma; Legosi seemed to habitually downplay his issues.

“There is something else too.”

There was more?

“Look, Louis, I’m eternally grateful that you and Legosi rescued me from those lions. I was a minute away from being eaten and I still feel uncomfortable around large cats. I’ll never forget what you guys did for me that day, so I know that I’m being a horrible hypocrite here but I really want Legosi to stop doing that.” Haru mumbled as she tried to avoid the stag's eyes, her ears drooping further.

Louis, meanwhile, was completely flabbergasted.

Apparently the confusion had shown on his face because the rabbit promptly elaborated. “Every other evening I’m sitting alone in my apartment, wondering whether Legosi will still be alive the next day. I’ve grown to resent the one thing he actually seems to like doing and takes so much pride in. Most of all I hate that stupid horse for dragging him on these suicidal vigilante missions of his.”

Stupid horse? Oh no, Louis had a sinking feeling who the distraught rabbit was talking about.

“You mean Legosi is still working with Yafya?”

Haru just gave another sniffle. “I think that was his name, yes. I only saw him once; he’s a black stallion.”

A black stallion vigilante dragging Legosi off to dangerous missions sounded exactly like the former Sublime Beastar. Legosi had told him about his history with the famous horse; Louis got the sneaking suspicion that the wolf had been abridging and downplaying the associated risks quite a bit during his retellings.

“I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do anymore Louis.” The rabbit turned up her head to look at her friend, eyes red-rimmed and swollen from crying.

Louis snapped out of his trance and turned his attention back to the issue at hand. His feelings towards the wolf and his mysterious acquaintance could wait until later.

It would however help greatly if he had any actual advice to offer; Louis wasn’t exactly a social expert as far as relationships went. His most stable one at the moment was less of a romance and more a mutually beneficial agreement between friends.

Haru stared at him, tears welling in her eyes as she waited in silence. There was really only one thing he could suggest in this situation. “Haru,” the deer started, willing the rabbit to listen “you need to tell him exactly what you just told me. I’m truly sorry, but I can’t make these choices for both of you.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized it was the wrong thing to say. Haru wilted like one of her flowers deprived of water and sunlight.

“I was afraid you might say something like that.” The rabbit sounded resigned as she settled back onto her seat, listlessly staring out the window. The Horns mansion loomed in the distance; their time was almost up.

“In the end it doesn’t matter what I want, does it. If I force him to choose a path I know which one he’ll take.”

Louis frowned severely as they drove through the mansion’s gates. He had never heard Haru sound so defeated.

“Legosi loves you.” The words left his mouth, stirring an uneasy, twisting sensation deep in Louis’s stomach. He quickly pushed the feeling aside, unwilling to confront what it might reveal about his own character.

Haru offered a faint, melancholy smile as she passed the bouquet of lilies to Louis. The flowers drooped as if in shared sorrow.

“Perhaps,” she murmured, “but he loves sacrificing himself even more.”

Chapter Text

Azuki was, as expected, delighted by the lilies and had them take pride of place on the table. Louis was trying to gauge whether she was playing up her satisfaction for the benefit of her guests, until Yuta brought out one of Azuki’s beloved crystal vases. Louis had last seen one of those when Azuki invited her father for their anniversary.

The doe’s guests were effusive in their praise of Louis’s attentiveness and obvious affection for his wife; more than one of the gathered women expressed their disappointment in their own husbands’ lack of romantic displays.

“Oh Azuki dear, you are so lucky. I can’t remember when Donovan last surprised me with flowers,” exclaimed an aged caribou as she fawned over the lilies “young love truly is beautiful.”

Louis wondered if the charade felt as unintentionally humorous to his wife as it did to him.

Haru, to her credit, fit right in with the group and after introductions were made Azuki immediately offered her a seat at the table. The rabbit was, at first, reluctant but soon eagerly chatted with the doe and her guests.

Louis decided to make a stealthy exit before any of the gathered women could decide to include him in their brunch. He’d just lock the door to his bedroom and try to ignore the tea party going on in the winter garden; he could already tell that he wouldn’t get anything done otherwise.

His ears were still twitching at every noise while he retrieved his laptop; maybe the ladies had a point. It might not be love but Louis certainly felt like a teenager again, jumpy and paranoid that someone would discover his browser history.

The forum he’d discovered was actually immensely useful, though he was a bit annoyed by the requirement to make an account. At least the information required for a sign up was minimal; he could remain a lurker and just browse the various subsections of the forum.

It turned out to be quite the treasure trove. Areas dedicated to partner search and choice were left ignored; Louis already had a date and wasn’t interested in finding alternatives.

The area meant for herbivore partners of carnivores was much more interesting. At the very top was a pinned collection of common questions which already adressed many of Louis’s concerns. Positions for beginners, security measures, and possibilities for more advanced play… it was all rather comprehensive.

The topic of intimate preparation for a male herbivore’s first time with a male carnivore still made him squirm though. The thought that he would ever sleep with a man hadn’t crossed Louis’s mind before and he still struggled a bit with some of the particulars.

He’d never thought of himself as the one being penetrated, for instance.

Some users recommended sticking to manual or oral stimulation at first, mostly to test the carnivore partner’s self-control. Others suggested restraints, which doubled as a way to increase excitement for those into more intense bedroom practices.

Also, Louis learned to read the description before clicking on censored pictures. He hadn’t known that a tiger’s body could bend like that.

The general consensus was that the first few intimate meetings served to establish trust and explore mutual interests. At least Louis wasn’t alone in his perversion; almost everyone seemed attracted to the feeling of danger and rush of adrenaline carnivores inspired so effortlessly.

Other advice was specific to male couples. Negotiating boundaries if both males belonged to territorial species, precautions for couples with particularly large differences in size and physical strength, tips to for animals with poisonous partners…

And of course there was a section on intimate hygiene and related preparations.

Louis felt like he was back in sex-ed class. True to form, he had maintained a stony expression throughout, even as his classmates giggled like grade-schoolers. Inside, however, he had been utterly mortified by the reproductive habits of his own species.

Now, years later and for one deer in particular, the mating rituals of wolves were nothing short of terrifying. It was a particular delight to learn that wolves, a species capable of exerting a bite force comparable to the weight of a small piano on a surface no larger than a coin, occasionally enjoyed nibbling during the act.

Legosi’s insistence on wearing a muzzle seemed slightly less insane in light of that revelation. Tying up your carnivore partner was also a frequent suggestion, particularly until the couple got used to each other’s bodies.

Louis recalled the time Tao had accidentally ripped Kibi’s arm off; that certainly would put a damper on any romance.

He did take a look at a few pictures in the canine subforum. Some of those knots and restraints could get very creative. There was a picture of a grey wolf tied up with blood red rope, intricate knots and loops forming a pattern perfectly outlining his muscles.

It was, of course, way too advanced for his first time with his mystery wolf. He knew nothing of the man; there was the chance he was completely harmless and traditional in bed. It would be best to leave the fun rope for future meetings and settle for carnivore-grade wrist cuffs.

Louis added both to his mental shopping list anyway. He wouldn’t get to use them but maybe he could practice some of those knots; they looked fascinating.

It was odd that he had trouble imagining Miguel in that position. True, the wolf had been caught off guard by Louis aggressive approach at the club. Still, he had recovered remarkably fast; he couldn’t imagine Legosi ever grabbing him like that and pulling Louis onto his lap.

It probably spoke ill of his character that he had no problem imagining Legosi tied up, restrained and muzzled, desperately begging for whatever scrap of attention Louis would deign to give.

Maybe meeting the meek wolf had given Louis a distorted view of wolves in general? Outside of his lions Louis didn’t spend much time around carnivores of any species; it left him woefully underprepared when interacting with non-feline carnivores.

The unspoken rules of polite society that kept them on common ground would likely not extend to the bedroom.

Louis felt oddly excited by the prospect. His father once told him that stags thrived in adversity; it might even be true. Louis certainly relished a challenge and the pretentious bowing and scraping of the business world just didn’t satisfy.

The stag knew those animals didn’t respect him, not really. He hadn’t yet done anything impressive enough to earn it. They respected what he represented: a rich, successful herbivore born of a line of other rich, successful herbivores. Louis was the latest child of a bloodline that had been a fixture of high society even before the war; that alone instilled a certain sense of awe.

Louis knew his need for perfection was at least partially born of the knowledge that a good portion of that was, in fact, not true.

Other topics were related to less enjoyable facets of intimate relationships: abusive partners and how to get away from them.

Louis perused them to learn how to better protect himself. He had not expected to see part of himself in one of the abusers.

He read the comment multiple times, as well as those accompanying it. The words were different but the spirit was the same each time.

The original poster was a male lion; his partner was a male zebra. The topic started as a standard request for relationship advice because the lion wanted to know how to better please his partner. From there is spiraled into the current discussion when more and more red flags were pointed out to the feline.

Louis recognized some of the things that zebra apparently did; he’d thought about doing them himself ever since he started his little research expedition. Louis knew that he liked feeling powerful and that he particularly liked having power over carnivores. Few things excited him as much as knowing that he could control a creature so much stronger than himself.

It was probably a good idea to do some soul-searching and self-reflection if he was ever tempted to consider a serious, long term relationship with a carnivore. Louis already looked on many of his past actions with deep shame; he really didn’t want to add to them.

He hesitated, fingers suspended over the keyboard. On one hand he wanted to post a question to the board; Louis could describe his situation, his thoughts and wants under the guise of anonymity to probably the only audience who could actually understand some of it.

On the other hand he feared the answer. Worse, it might not even be relevant in the future; Miguel would in all likelihood remain a one-night stand with no deeper meaning than many of the animals Haru had slept with in the gardening club shed.

He really needed to take it one thing at a time. His date with Miguel was less than a week away; any related issues could be solved after he’d confirmed their… physical compatibility.

The thought made him wince despite his excitement. Male wolves were a lot more endowed than their body size would suggest. Louis knew that applying his own species’ standards to another could lead to ridiculous misunderstandings; yet some of those pictures he’d seen…

Unless the forum happened to have a disproportionate amount of canine porn stars in its user base he could safely assume that the pictures were roughly representative of the general canine population.

Haru had said there were toys she could use to prepare herself for Legosi. Considering the fact she was a little over half his size it would suggest those would work for Louis as well, right? Miguel and Legosi were roughly the same size, if they were both proportionate…

Perhaps these thoughts were a little too exciting; lying on his belly started to become uncomfortable for the stag. He felt dirty thinking about Legosi like that, particularly after his conversation with Haru earlier.

He makes me handcuff him to the bedframe at night! Sometimes he even wears a muzzle to bed!

A groan left the frustrated stag as he buried his head in his pillow. Louis was a horrible person; he genuinely couldn’t tell if the prospect of Miguel looming over him was as exciting as Legosi cowering for him.

He’d have to prepare himself for a wolf either way, right? His fantasies were his own, they couldn’t hurt anyone.

And so the deer made another addition to his mental shopping list. He’d have to use one of his less known accounts and discrete payment for this particular shopping spree.

The prospect of the media getting a hold of his payment history was far more frightening than any starved carnivore.

Dinner at a carnivore/herbivore household was always a more involved affair; different dietary requirements made the preparation of separate meals unavoidable.

Haru knew that, if she ate the amount of carbs and fats Legosi needed, she’d be a white, fluffy blob in a matter of months. At the same time her wolf would wither away to nothing if he was forced to subsist on her usual selection of lean vegetables, particularly in light of all his… physical labor.

Thus Haru was chopping away at the vegetables and tofu blocks again, perhaps a little more angrily than normal. She’d gotten pretty good at it too; while Legosi might be a habitual liar when it came to anything that made him uncomfortable, his tail was much more honest. Said furry appendage had been wagging enthusiastically the last time she served her tofu and pepper curry. Combined with the wolf’s beloved egg salad she was sure this dinner would put him in an excellent mood.

Considering the ambush she’d planned Legosi probably deserved a stay of execution to enjoy his food. As much as the rabbit had enjoyed her afternoon with Louis and his wife, she couldn’t forget the discussion they’d had in the limousine on the way to the couple’s mansion.

You need to tell him exactly what you just told me. I’m truly sorry, but I can’t make these choices for both of you.

She hated it but the stag had a point. She’d stomped her feet and complained to Legosi quite often lately but they’d never actually discussed a possible solution or the roots of her discontent. Every fight they’d had was hardly deserving of the label; Haru expressed her anger, Legosi cowered and apologized and the conversation just… fizzled out.

While it felt good to rant to Louis she hadn’t actually come away with any concrete plan; she hated how insecure this relationship had left her. The sneaking suspicion that Legosi would choose endangering himself over staying with her was not pleasant. The closest she had gotten to concrete advice was a conversation with her cousin; she’d felt similarly when her fiancée had decided to become a policeman.

He’d been shot on two separate occasions before she’d decided to end the relationship.

Haru’s worries and horror had only compounded when Legosi ended up in the emergency room because of that thrice damned horse; she’d known it would happen eventually and tried to steel herself for it.

It had been a futile effort; nothing could have prepared her for the unending agony she’d endured in the half hour it had taken her to get to the hospital. The prospect of going through that over and over again filled her with dread. She couldn’t understand how Legosi, with his anxious disposition, could stand risking his life on a regular basis.

She’d tried telling herself that she was proud that Legosi was helping people; that he was putting his natural strength and generous character to good use. Haru should be happy that the soft-hearted wolf was rushing to rescue animals in as dire a strait as she had once been.

It hadn’t helped; she treasured Legosi too much to value a stranger’s life over that of her wolf. In truth, she’d choose him over any number of lives; Haru gave up any delusions of moral superiority years ago. Any woman who would pick a stranger’s life over that of her fiancée’s deserved to be dumped on the spot.

Haru was reaching the end of her rope but she owed Legosi a choice at least. It was cruel to make him choose between his clandestine vigilantism and her but Haru knew herself well enough; she didn’t have it in her to become a martyr for love.

In the meantime she would take her anger out on assorted ingredients and kitchenware. Barely suppressed rage might just become her new secret ingredient. As the rabbit worked, a delightful fragrance began to spread through her apartment.

Just in time for a certain wolf to arrive.

Legosi’s tail had started to wag before he even opened the door; actually entering the apartment made the fuzzy appendage go into overdrive.

He could smell grilled peppers, onion, fried tofu and the overpowering fragrance of curry… Haru went all out again! Dinner was going to be delicious!

“Haru! I’m home!” the wolf called enthusiastically, grinning when said white rabbit poked her head out of the kitchen.

“Welcome home Legosi. Set the table please, dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” Legosi thought he heard something metallic hit the floor and Haru’s head disappeared back into the kitchen with a curse.

Having received his orders the wolf dutifully proceeded to collect plates and cutlery to set the table; meanwhile Haru busily put the finishing touches on their dinner in the kitchen. After a glance at the grandfather clock in the corner the wolf turned on the evening news; Legosi found that the work at Udon Bebebe had caused him to expect a certain level of background noise in his day-to-day life.

“In other news, the Ministry of Beast Harmony has given its tentative approval to fish-based meat replacement products—”

Complete silence was something he now associated with his work for Yafya; he really couldn’t afford to accidentally slip into that mindset at home.

“—across the continent predict supply shortages considering the surging demand, while representatives of—”

Haru would never let him hear the end of it.

“Legosi, could you come and help me carry these please?” Ah, Haru was done with dinner! Perfect, Legosi was salivating already. The first month of their cohabitation had been a wasteland of Bebebe takeout and instant noodles; neither of them had been good at cooking and their work schedules had clashed terribly.

“—warn that the marine ecosystem is not equipped to—”

“I’m coming!” Legosi felt is stomach rumbling; he’d been hungry the entire day, those egg salad sandwiches for lunch hadn’t filled him up at all. Why were so many people on the other end of Cherryton ordering from Bebebe recently?

His co-workers regularly complained that their feet were killing them; Legosi himself was spared that particular hardship. At least being a carnivore was good for a few things. He’d have to write Yafya later and ask him if they could move gym day to Saturday; his boss had asked him for an emergency shift.

He'd also have to make sure to clear his schedule once Haru told him when the dinner with Louis and his wife would happen. The wolf’s tail started wagging at the thought of seeing the deer again. Legosi had missed him so! He knew that running a company was exhausting but what was the point of being your own boss if you couldn’t take the day off on occasion? Surely Louis had assistants?

He could hardly wait; with Louis, Haru and himself there it would be like their meetings at Cherryton Academy. All they’d need was rundown garden shed and stagehands for Louis to yell at.

His tail slowed down a little at the thought that Louis might be angry; he really didn’t want to see him get upset too. Seeing Haru so upset lately was enough; Legosi would rather not witness the deer lose his patience with him as well.

Soon they’d finished plating their food; if it tasted as good as the smell promised then Legosi was in for a treat. Haru had even prepared a side of egg salad for him!

Rabbit and wolf sat and dined in silence, their tranquility only interrupted by the evening news report and the wolf’s sounds of delight.

In Legosi’s opinion Haru could open her own restaurant if her plants didn’t work out. He could do deliveries for her! And make sure no-one bothered her in the kitchen!

“—interrupt our regular program for an emergency news report. Police are currently searching for two suspects in a public devouring incident; the suspects are dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances. The detectives is charge—”

Legosi’s ears flicked in alarm and his spine turned rigid. There had been another devouring? And it happened in public too? Yafya had just closed the case on their last devouring; why was there another so soon? Things were supposed to get better!

The wolf turned towards the TV, his food forgotten. On the screen were the images of the suspects: a tigress and a… merino ram?

Why was a merino sheep a suspect in a devouring? Did they put the victims’ photo next to the assailant?

No, the newscaster was talking about suspects, plural. The sheep looked even more delicate than Sebun, the merino sheep who used to be his neighbor. The news reports made him itch to give her a call and see if she was alright.

Which was ridiculous; there was no reason why she would be relatives with a random merino sheep he saw on TV. He’d sound like an idiot again.

“—graphic nature of the footage we recommend that parents ask their children to leave the room. Thank you.”

Oh no.

“Haru, maybe we shouldn’t—”

Said rabbit swiveled around to face him and glared suspiciously. “Legosi, I dare you to finish that sentence.”

The wolf gave a pitiful whimper. Why did he put his foot in his mouth so often lately? He hadn’t meant to imply anything insulting!

The news broadcast had switched to a recording; the camera motion was jerky and awkward. It was very likely recorded on somebody’s phone.

The tigress and merino sheep from the report were sitting on a park bench and talking. Legosi squirmed in discomfort when the tigress started leaning in; the pair was sitting awfully close together. Whatever was being said wasn’t audible; all he heard was girlish giggling. It seemed that the camera operator was too far away to catch their voices.

The merino sheep was obviously enjoying the attention; by this point he had almost climbed into the tigress’ lap.

Things started going wrong when the tigress embraced the sheep; Legosi didn’t quite see what happened because the camera was suddenly tilted upwards but when it was back on the couple a donkey and horse were trying to pry them apart.

The sheep gave a shocked bleat when the tigress’ claws tightened in a futile effort to keep him close; Legosi felt sick when he saw blood stain the sheep’s white wool.

The sight seemed to have the opposite effect on the horse; the stallion reared back and delivered a heavy blow, wrenching her away from the sheep and throwing her on the ground.

The tigress was stunned for a moment and bleeding slightly from her split lip. Not a second later her eyes sharped and she bared her fangs in a horrible snarl, scrambling to stand and focusing on the horse. The stallion responded by pulling a knife and aiming it at the enraged feline.

As much as the footage made Legosi’s fur stand on end, this seemed to be a rather clear case of self-defense in the face of a misunderstanding. The wolf really didn’t see why this warranted a special report—

Suddenly, the merino sheep contorted his body and slipped from the donkey’s grip; the enraged bovid was already launching himself at the horse before the donkey could react.

Time seemed to slow as the sheep opened his mouth. Legosi felt like he was watching a horror movie unfold; the ram’s mouth opened wide, then even wider as rows and rows of jagged teeth, bone-white and razor sharp, spilled out. The sheep’s visage was distorted horrifically and the stallion’s whinny of terror was loud enough to be caught by the flimsy microphone.

The sound abruptly cut off as the nightmarish maw closed around the horse’s windpipe and dug deep into his throat. Despite the shocked silence Legosi thought he could hear the sickening sound of flesh tearing as the sheep wrenched his head to the side, taking a large chunk of the stallion’s throat with it.

It was at this point that pandemonium erupted; the camera operator screamed and dropped her phone. The last image caught was the sheep, his entire front bathed in red, whirling around and jumping on the paralyzed donkey.

Legosi felt like his thoughts were flooded with static.

The merino sheep was a hybrid.

That would explain why the news ran an emergency report; Melon might have been behind bars for years but the hybrid’s crimes had left a lasting impact. To Legosi’s disappointment all people seemed to have learned was to treat hybrids with even more suspicion.

It took Legosi a moment to realize that the whine of distress he could hear came from him.

The news presenter reappeared and the police’s phone number scrolled across the bottom of the screen; Legosi was too distracted to really pay attention to any of it. He couldn’t get the ram out his head; the fang filled mouth and enraged snarl…

There had been so much blood.

Then there was a shuffle of fabric and Legosi remembered with a start that he wasn’t alone. He turned to look at Haru and found the bunny frozen, her eyes still glued to the screen. They both jumped when his phone rang; Legosi fished it out of his bag in a hurry. Who could be calling at this hour?

Oh. Of course, it was Yafya. Legosi took the call and listened to the stallion’s instructions. The police had requested the former Sublime Beastar’s assistance.

That usually meant that Legosi would be required to be present as well; at least the stallion paid well and on time. Legosi liked his work; he got to help people and supplement his rather meagre delivery boy salary at the same time. It was a perfect arrangement!

Legosi was almost out the door when a voice interrupted him.

“Where are you going?” Haru stared at him, eyes still wide and frightened. Legosi mustered the clearly shaken rabbit; Yafya wouldn’t mind if he took the time to calm his fiancée down, right?

“Yafya called. We’re going to catch the people who did this,” the wolf indicated the TV with the still running emergency news report “and bring them to justice.”

“Don’t go. Please Legosi, I’m worried about you every time you go out. Surely that horse can go and investigate by himself for one evening?” Legosi looked at the rabbit’s big glistening eyes and kneeled to hug her. He could feel her little arms not quite reach around his chest; it was amazing that she still managed to squeeze him so tightly.

“Haru, this is important to me. I’ve wondered for so long for what purpose I was given so much strength; all it seemed to be good for is endangering the animals around me.” Legosi drew back and looked down at the sniffling white rabbit. Her eyes were glimmering like gems.

Herbivores were such beautiful creatures.

“When I help Yafya stop animals from hurting others, I feel like I found my purpose. I can finally use all this strength for a good cause. I think this is what I was always meant to do; the only thing I regret is that I didn’t think of it sooner.” He gave the rabbit a wide grin and received a watery, hesitant smile in return.

“I promise I’ll be careful. I’ll try not to wake you up when I’m back. Love you.” Legosi pressed a careful kiss to the rabbit’s head as he rose and gave her one last smile.

A second later he was gone, the apartment door closing behind him.

Haru sat on the floor of their apartment, arm raised halfway in an attempt to grab her wolf and keep him home where it was safe.

Wordlessly, the rabbit rose and started cleaning up the remains of their abandoned, slowly cooling dinner.

Chapter Text

If someone had told Yafya a few years ago that he’d genuinely enjoy the company of carnivores he’d likely have laughed in their face before tossing them from the top of the building.

Ah, no. He was thinking like a vigilante again, not like a Sublime Beastar. Yafya would have smiled, agreed with them and later plotted to murder them and add their ground up remains to his carrot garden. His carrots did so love their regular dose of high-quality fertilizer.

Gosha, of course, would have frowned severely at him for indulging in his darker impulses and so his hobby had died a swift and brutal death after their friendship underwent an unexpected resurrection.

His carrots had, sadly, never truly forgiven him and many of them had wilted even after he tried to switch to a more mundane kind of fertilizer.

Still, earning his spot at the Komodo’s dinner table every friday was worth the sacrifice. Carrots just couldn’t compete with Gosha’s home-cooking. He now also lacked a Sublime Beastars’ bottomless checkbook; there was no reason to burn through his remaining fortune for the sake of carrots.

That was his story and he would stick by it; aging or not, the horse was still hunting criminals. Getting too soft might well be the end of him.

Unfortunately today’s dinner was under a less auspicious star; Yafya could tell by the tension in Gosha’s shoulders and the fact that he chose to wear a venom mask when he opened the door. Yafya could detect the smell of recently dissolved furniture as he entered; the biting odor was forever etched into the horse’s memory.

It was hard to forget your roommate accidentally corroding your dinner table and burning a hole through the floor; the landlord’s expletive-laden tirade had just been the cherry on top.

Yafya mustered the floor beneath his shoes; he was pretty sure he could actually eat off it if he so chose. Run-down the building might be but Gosha clearly kept his own living space obsessively well-cleaned.

Incidentally, nostalgia was another new guilty pleasure of Yafya’s. He could finally recall their glory days with the fondness they deserved, instead of being buried in a wave of bitterness and resentment whenever he thought of their shared dream of becoming Beastars together.

Once dinner was eaten and the dishes tidied away the Komodo dragon was visibly psyching himself up to tell Yafya whatever was weighing on his mind. The pair had settled down for a relaxing, peaceful evening in front of the TV; Gosha had basically threatened Yafya into taking a break.

At least he’d get to pick the movie after the evening news was done. Still, the fact that the Komodo had a glass bowl within reach did not bode well.

“Savon called again,” Gosha at last broke the silence with a flick of his reptilian tongue “the situation’s getting worse.”

Yafya was aware that he wasn’t nice or even a particularly moral animal; he took too much pleasure in his work for that. Still, Gosha chose to ignore his past transgressions so he felt honor-bound to do the same for Gosha.

If only Gosha wouldn’t keep associating with the dregs of society.

Yafya silently grit his teeth and counted to ten, the Komodo’s languid gaze resting on him like a lead weight.

“More devourings?” In hindsight, he should have seen this coming. The Black Market might be gone but the people that had been running and living in it hadn’t disappeared; now they were spread out all over his city like a plague of locusts.

Those animals had, perhaps predictably, felt that social harmony wasn’t a good enough reason to bulldoze their homes and businesses. Particularly when the Black Devil himself was ordering the destruction.

Yafya was secretly glad that seemingly everyone had forgotten the Komodo’s breach of the market’s walls; the horse could deal with the death threats. Now, if the mob had decided to go after Gosha then Yayfa would have gone on a rampage so bloody even the Ministry of Beast Harmony wouldn’t have been able to hide it.

“Yes, and other issues. The skills many of the market’s former inhabitants have don’t translate well; most of them are still unemployed. The Dokugumi and Inarigumi are cannibalizing the Madaragumi’s remaining funds to help the worst cases; they still can’t handle all of it. Many people also lack proper documentation; they either lost it during the riot and demolition or never bothered getting more than a birth certificate.” Yafya gave an annoyed grunt. Even those were sketchy; the authorities refused to recognize Gohin’s clinic after all. Only the panda’s legitimate doctor title stopped them from not recognizing the documents at all. “That also means they don’t qualify for state assistance.”

It was humiliating for the stallion that his own operations weren’t going any better. “Legosi is legitimately helpful but even between me, him and the rats we can only cover so much of the city.” Not to mention that his retirement from active duty as Sublime Beastar had closed a number of doors. Still, others had opened. “The police chief and mayor have hired me as a high level advisor, with all that implies. We’ve made headway in a number of cases.” With one notable exception; Yafya had no idea how the killer did it. There was not a shred of evidence pointing to the carnivore involved; the bastard was even taunting them by leaving traces of his latest victim all over each new crime scene.

The motive at least was obvious. The victims were herbivores, had made use of the Black Market’s services in one capacity or another and each of them was involved in the market’s demolition.

The last victims’ blood had also been used to write ‘HYPOCRITE’ on the wall above their bed, just in case the police were too thick to connect the dots.

“No news on the prints?” Gosha likely guessed that there were no good news at all; the horse wouldn’t be gnashing his teeth otherwise. “Or help from the community?”

“The prints aren’t in the system and the community would rather hang me, roast me and serve me with a side of carrots before helping me catch so much as a pick-pocket.” Yafya spat, enraged by the stupidity of it all. You could take the carnivore out of the market but you couldn’t take the market out of the carnivore. “So no, your poor, innocent meat sellers, gamblers and prostitutes are no help at all.”

“All of those are perfectly legal activities, Yafya. We discussed this already; you promised to be more open minded.” Of course the Komodo would put on his infuriatingly calm grandfather act; Yafya wanted to kick something until his bones ached.

He was trying! He was working with Legosi, wasn’t he? Yafya was trying so hard not to think the worst of carnivores but good intentions didn’t resurrect cooling corpses.

“It would be easier to keep an open mind if they’d stop eating people.” Really, the stallion was a saint for not restarting his carrot farm. The increase in devourings would more than justify it.

“Don’t you think we’re to blame for this as well?” Gosha said in his most reasonable, most ingratiating tone.

It didn’t make up for the utter insanity that came out of his mouth but still, it was nice.

“How are we to blame if they can’t stop killing their fellow citizens just to feed their savage appetites?”

“We forced the entire capital’s carnivore population to go cold turkey Yaf. When I stopped eating meat the withdrawal was agonizing; my body felt like it was trying to eat itself alive. And I at least had the assistance of Gohin’s predecessor; these animals have no-one.” Gosha still sounded so calm about it. “Don’t you think that maybe we made a mistake?”

The stallion gave a humorless laugh in reply. “Don’t flatter yourself Gosha, there is no ‘we’ here. You punched a hole in a wall; everything that happened after is on me. I don’t think any of the rioters even remember you.”

“That doesn’t change that many are now going hungry.”

Oh screw this. “Then let them eat cake instead of cattle! For Rex’s sake Gosha, you and your grandson manage fine, don’t you? If you can go without meat then so can they.” Not to mention that they would not be having this discussion if those useless politicians could finally stop dithering and do their jobs! Getting them to approve fish-based products had been a downright Herculean task.

“Both Legosi and I have eaten meat before, you know that. And I believe that both of us would do so again if we ever felt it necessary.” Gosha had moved his glass bowl to his lap; Yafya could already see the first stray droplets of venom drip from between his teeth each time the Komodo spoke.

“There is a difference between a life-and-death situation and making meat a staple of your diet. Also if that time ever comes we’ll have fish sausage for you to eat.” Those were supposed to be on the market months ago; Yafya had no idea what the holdup was. The other provinces had held off on closing their Black Markets; someone must have noticed that the capital was struggling without it.

A completely unified government structure might have put an end to war on land but it also meant that information could now travel the length and breadth of the continent in the span of hours.

“According to Savon’s informants, the negotiations with the ocean-dwellers are at a standstill. The whales have, for the second time in history, split into factions.” Gosha leaned over the bowl and opened his mouth; a veritable flood of venom poured out into it and filled the apartment with an acrid smell. The Komodo used his antiseptic wipes to clean his mouth afterwards, nervously studying the couch they were sitting on for any stray droplets eating through the fabric. “The leader of the opposition argues that it is profoundly hypocritical of us to ask for fish corpses to eat while allowing land-bound herbivores’ bodies to rot in the ground. That’s their main complaint, anyway.”

“What nonsense is that? Those two issues are completely different.” Yafya had always avoided politics like the plague; it was one of the reasons parts of the public had doubted his existence. In hindsight, that might’ve been a little arrogant.

“How?” Gosha sounded genuinely curious; the horse was already dreading the conversation to come. “Do non-carnivorous fish not count as herbivores in your mind?”

“Of course they do!” What a ridiculous question, as if a set of gills suddenly made them less than people.

“Then what’s the difference between eating a dead fish and a dead chicken, provided both died of natural causes?” The Komodo turned away from the evening news to study the horse. Yafya studiously ignored him and continued watching the program; of course the news anchor was also talking about the fish negotiations. It was as if fate itself was taunting him.

“Land-dwelling herbivores would be horrified or outraged by the thought that someone would eat their bodies after death. Sea-dwellers don’t have that problem, their entire reincarnation philosophy means they’re untroubled by the knowledge that someone might eat them, their friends or family.” Yafya had always hated philosophical debates; during his Beastar training it had been his worst subject by far. The sheer amount of effort he had to expend dwarfed the rest of the training combined; usually he’d just gritted his teeth, gave the answers his mentors wanted to hear and dealt with more important things. “The only reason the Black Markets are even allowed to operate is society-wide cognitive dissonance; those legal loopholes exist because no-one wanted to deal with the fallout of actually closing them.”

“And the fallout has been pretty catastrophic, hasn’t it?” Gosha had set the bowl of venom to the side for a moment; it was half full. Gosha’s venom glands should be pretty empty now, even with the Komodo dragon’s prodigious levels of production. “Do you think it was worth it?”

Yafya was outright gaping at the Komodo. He’d put up with a lot when it came to Gosha; the decades of estrangement, the affair with that she-wolf and subsequent abandonment of their shared promise, his insistence on living in this run-down dump masquerading as an apartment and wearing those ungodly aging-grandpa sweaters.

“You agreed with my reasoning! Granted, I only told you after the bulldozers were already on their way but you didn’t even put up a token protest! All you did was call your criminal-” friends? Aquaintances? Contacts in the underworld? “-whatever the Dokugumi are to you.”

“Family.”

Yafya had a dreadful feeling that this evening just took a turn for the worse. “Say what now?”

Yafya was sure that, if his venom sacks weren’t already empty, Gosha would be dripping venom all over his painfully clean living room floor. “They’re my family Yaf,” the Komodo said quietly, looking off to the picture frames on the westward wall. A reptile’s life captured in picture frames was spread across the tapestry, first with Toki, then with his pup Leano, then with Legosi. “I’m the son of the Dokugumi’s previous leader. Savon is my cousin and, aside from Legosi, my only remaining biological family.”

Yafya settled back into his seat, digesting that particular revelation. They’d met as homeless teenagers; Gosha must’ve left his family not long before they met. The horse still remembered feeling a burst of jealousy when he’d first seen the Komodo’s relatively clean and patch-free clothes.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You never asked. Also, you were a vigilante even back then. Would you have trusted me if you’d known that I was the heir of a Black Market gang?” The Komodo replied with a tilt to his mouth and flicked his tongue at Yafya once. The horse felt like he was being made fun of.

It was an uncomfortable thought; Yafya didn’t like questioning his choices after he’d made them. He tried to imagine himself back on the street; an angry, slightly paranoid colt out to change the world. How would he have looked at the Komodo, at the carnivore now sitting on the couch next to him, if he knew whose money bought those nice warm clothes?

He hated the answer even as he spoke it. “No. I would’ve thought you were trying to set me up. Best case I would’ve tried to knock you out to hand you to the police, worst case I would’ve tried to end you in order to throw the Dokugumi into chaos.” The horse knew the opportunity would’ve seemed like a gift from above: Rex himself reaching out to hand him his first great victory over the gumi of the Black Market.

The thought was vaguely sickening, even as a hypothetical.

“And that’s why I didn’t mention it.” Heavens above, the reptile could be infuriatingly logical.

“Any other bad news I need to know about?” the stallion inquired; lately bad news always seemed to arrive in groups. The Komodo was quiet for the moment; so long, in fact, that Yafya hoped there wasn’t anything more. “It’s nothing concrete for the moment. Nothing illegal either; Savon and I are just wondering if maybe we’re reading too much into it.”

Oh well, a horse could hope. “Out with it. A third opinion won’t hurt, will it?”

“When Savon and his group were looking into new accommodations they noticed that a number of animals were suddenly selling their houses or cancelling their leases.”

“Isn’t that a good thing? It should drive down prices and help him find places for those ex-market animals.” Yafya didn’t like the worried look in Gosha’s eyes at all. “Have some of those scattered gangs set up a protection racket or something? Or are only people in a certain area leav-” Oh no. Yafya had a horrible premonition where this was going.

“Please Gosha, tell me they aren’t trying to clear out a part of the city to rebuild the Black Market.” Yafya couldn’t quite keep the tremble out of his voice. They’d promised each other that they’d be open with each other going forward.

“No. The animals selling their homes are all carnivores; they’re leaving Cherryton and moving deeper into the continent. There are other animals replacing them though, those are largely herbivores moving into the city… mostly hailing from areas deeper in the continent.” Yafya really didn’t like the implications.

“There aren’t that many yet, Savon only noticed because one of his contacts works for one of Cherryton’s largest realtors. They noticed the trend in their data and are planning on changing their advertising strategy accordingly.” Gosha’s tongue nervously flicked out and Yafya noticed a small bit of venom in the corner of the reptile’s mouth; apparently the topic was distressing enough to really warrant every last bit of venom the Komodo’s glands could muster. “Carnivores are leaving the city and herbivores are moving in. Savon predicts it will likely happen in other cities as well, if they choose to close the markets. When Gladefort made the announcement there was a spike in house sales before the measure got blocked in court; apparently they’re forcing their market’s closure to be decided by vote.” If Yafya remembered correctly Gladefort’s herbivores were in the majority by a comfortable margin; whoever had financed that lawsuit was just delaying the inevitable. Why were they still discussing these things?

“Savon thinks—” Gosha started to say and Yafya finally reached the end of his patience.

“I’m tired of hearing about what Savon thinks!” The horse burst out and reflexively kicked at the low table. The bowl of venom clattered threateningly, causing the Komodo to quickly reach out and grab it. “I want to know what you think, Gosha!”

“I think that if you ignore people long enough they’ll either try to fight you or leave for greener pastures. Now, some carnivores in Cherryton decided on the latter.” Gosha turned to the horse, willing him to understand the potential consequences. “If this trend accelerates then in a decade or two we’ll have most carnivores living in one part of the continent and most herbivores living in the other. You know what that’ll look like, don’t you?”

“It sounds like the world before the Unification, before the Carni-Herbi War.” No, no, no, no. This was all going wrong. Why in the world were they going backwards? He was trying to fix this thrice-damned mess of a society! Why couldn’t things just stay fixed for a second while he dealt with the next problem?

The Komodo calmly regarded his friend’s internal struggle. Gosha knew that Yafya had always chased perfection, even now that hadn’t changed. In the Komodo’s mind that wasn’t even a flaw; chasing perfection could take animals to tremendous heights so long as they remembered that the goal would forever be out of reach.

“I don’t mind not eating meat Yafya. I haven’t felt the need for it since I left the Dokugumi and I respect Legosi for making a similar choice. I just think I forgot that not every carnivore might have as easy a time with it as I do.” Gosha was eyeing the horse with that damn unreadable reptilian look on his face. It used to creep Yafya out when they were younger, now the memories it evoked were bittersweet; Gosha was about to tell him something he knew he wouldn’t like to hear.

“The ministry is asking the sea-dwellers to give up a significant portion of their dead in order to feed land-bound carnivores; at the same time they’re refusing to surrender the bodies of land-bound herbivores to the sea. That would put enormous pressure on the marine ecosystem since their carnivore and herbivore populations are in balance; if herbivore’s bodies were just removed from the food chain without any replacements then their own carnivores would starve.” Yafya felt there was probably more to it; he doubted the complaints were completely utilitarian. It probably involved more of that alien sea philosophy about reincarnation.

“Another problem is that the negotiators can’t explain the ministry’s stance in a way the sea nation accepts. To them, the refusal to embrace the cycle of life is a perversion of how nature ought to function; the only justification the ministry can offer is that we don’t want to do it because it makes us uncomfortable. Or, to be more precise, that land-dwelling herbivores don’t want to.” Gosha paused, fiddling with his bowl of venom and absentmindedly letting his gaze wander over his wall of family pictures. The Komodo’s face was almost entirely shadowed, his expression only partially illuminated by the light of the now thoroughly ignored TV.

Finally, his gaze returned to the horse and Yafya felt the sudden urge tense his muscles as if bracing for impact. “The sticking point for a significant portion of the ocean-dwellers is that, from their perspective, land-dwelling herbivores are asking everyone else to accommodate them while being unwilling to meet anyone else half-way.” His reptilian eyes turned steely and determined; the look was ill-fitting for the Komodo’s grandfatherly guise. “Yafya… I think they have a point.”

It would’ve hurt less if the Komodo had punched Yafya in the gut.

“You can’t seriously mean that. Gosha, we—” whatever argument the horse had prepared was swallowed up by a bloodcurdling scream. Both animals turned, wide eyed, to the TV and for a split second Yafya thought that one of them had accidentally switched the channel; the horror show they were watching certainly looked right out of the latest slasher movie. The horse and Komodo barely had time to comprehend the grisly scene before Yafya’s phone started ringing.

It was the police chief, fuming and indignant that someone had leaked the very footage they were watching to the press.

Yafya shared his indignation, if for entirely the wrong reason. The recording was clearly made during daytime, probably around noon if the short shadows were any indication. Why was he learning about the latest devouring via the evening news instead of his official police contact?

“We thought it was just a rabid hybrid.” Explained the chief; Yafya could imagine the buffalo sitting in his office, glaring angrily at the wall and emptying his latest cup of coffee. At least Yafya could work without the glaring eye of the unpleasable public following his every move; officers of the law had no such luxury. “Now, well… Yafya, we need you to come to the precinct. Bring your wolf too; we’ll need his nose I believe. I just got the lab results and even though Rivers swears up and down that they’re correct I’m not letting him clock out until he gives me a report that makes sense.”

Not a minute later Yafya was nervously pacing up and down the living room under the watchful eye of Gosha, already calling Legosi. Chief forensic scientist Rivers might be the most annoying creature on the planet but the otter was also highly competent; unless the sheep was a literal alien there really should have been no issue.

Yafya thought back to the lack of useful traces during his latest string of investigations and dismissed the thought. There was no way the hybrid hadn’t left saliva traces with that horrifying maw of his; if there were none then Rivers wouldn’t have had anything to analyze in the first place.

The horse finished his call and threw one last look at the Komodo; Gosha looked resigned but gave him a small nod of encouragement anyway. “Go get them. But Yafya, please think about what we talked about.”

Yafya could feel his face settling into a determined grimace almost despite himself; he returned the nod and was on his way to his car a second later.

Maybe Gosha was right. Not about the ridiculous spat between the land and sea governments; about the need for a change. Neither of them was getting any younger.

Yafya thought back to the binders of Beastar applicants in his office. He needed someone who could become his successor with Legosi; the wolf was almost perfect for the role but without someone else to cover his metaphorical and literal blind spots his flaws would be crippling.

Not to mention Legosi would likely refuse an official position unless the horse dangled something, or someone, irresistible in front of him. That tendency to fall for emotional manipulation was, incidentally, the exact type of weakness the wolf needed help with.

Near the top of the pile was the dossier of a deer; the only Beastar candidate in over four decades to decline their nomination. Tomorrow Yafya would make a few calls and pay a visit to Horns.

Luckily his rats had supplied him with both the stag’s weakness and the perfect bait. Yafya dearly hoped Legosi would appreciate his sacrifice.

Chapter Text

Yafya was reluctantly impressed by the Horns Conglomerate's headquarters; the decor was immaculate and the technology on display was clearly on the bleeding edge of innovation. On the way up he’d caught glimpses of other floors and had been surprised to see that it wasn’t restricted to the ‘important’ sectors of the building either. The horse would be hard-pressed to build something better, even if he’d still had access to the resources of a Sublime Beastar. Yes, Horns HQ was a marvel of engineering, interior design and most importantly hospitality.

His current company could stand to learn from its example.

“No.”

“Don’t be so obstinate, you haven’t even heard my offer.” Yafya really hoped Legosi was worth this, the stag was insufferably stubborn.

“You could offer me half the money in the world and I’d still decline. I already rejected the nomination when I was still at Cherryton Academy, even though it was what father wanted.” That was, in Yafya’s opinion, precisely the type of motivation a Beastar should not have; kudos to the deer for realizing his own inadequacy. “Why would I change my mind now? Do I look like I’m hurting for status or wealth?”

Clearly he wasn’t, the sumptuously appointed office rivaled even a Sublime Beastar’s accommodations. The entire floor was devoted entirely to Louis’s needs and the possible reception of any guests and business partners the stag might receive in his day-to-day. Even the chair Yafya was currently resting in was the definition of luxury; it felt like sitting on a cloud. The only thing that seemed less than welcoming was, ironically, the stallion’s host.

Yafya bit back several pointed remarks about what kind of hurt Louis could find himself in and released a steadying breath. Truly, rich brats like this were the worst; why did Legosi have such horrible taste in herbivore friends? “Louis, Legosi is a talented fighter and quite possibly the most devoted defender of victimized herbivores everywhere; he’d be the perfect Sublime Beastar. Unfortunately that wolf also has all the social grace and emotional intelligence of a brick wall; he’ll find himself with a knife between his ribs the second some low-lives tell him their sob story.” Melon had already adeptly demonstrated that Legosi’s empathy was a perfect vector for emotional manipulation.

“In that case maybe you should consider choosing someone else as your successor. Legosi deserves better than going through life with whatever baggage you’ll saddle him with anyway. That issue aside, I see no reason why I should even entertain the notion of helping you.” The stag was downright radiating hostility now; Yafya had no doubt that if looks could kill he’d already be a pile of viscera staining Louis’s overly ornate carpet. Ironically the reaction only further confirmed his predictions; the stag would be perfect for the role. His paranoid hostility coupled with his acting skills would serve as the perfect counterweight against Legosi’s tendency to instantly trust anyone who could convincingly act harmless. It would also make him a great face for the team; Rex knew Legosi dreaded the prospect of ever giving any kind of public speech or interview.

“Because agreeing to become a Beastar with Legosi will get you what you want in turn. It’s a very simple transaction; you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” Time to dangle the bait and watch the deer take a bite; Yafya contemplated making the arrogant herbivore sweat a bit to make up for this annoying conversation. “I’ve been hearing rumors about you making regular visits to a certain prison.”

The reaction was both instantaneous and brief; if Yafya hadn’t honed his senses over decades he might have missed it entirely. The deer went rigid for a split second before consciously relaxing and narrowing his eyes. “What of it? Last I checked visiting inmates was perfectly legal.”

“True, but most herbivores wouldn’t visit a gang of criminal lions who’d kidnapped them before. It’s an odd coincidence too; did you know that the Shishigumi’s boss before Melon was a red deer as well?” The deer’s poker face was impeccable; every second talking to the ornery cervid left Yafya more sure that he’d be a perfect partner for Legosi. If what he’d heard about the deer’s marksmanship was true as well then all he’d need was some hand-to-hand practice before the official Beastar training started.

Yafya kept the smile on his face even as the deer’s eyes narrowed further. He could take his time with this; the horse had cleared his entire schedule for today. Twisting a rich brat’s arm wasn’t that different to interrogating some piece of shit carnivore. The only difference was the ambience and level of violence required.

“I might’ve heard of it somewhere. Get to the point Yafya, you’re wasting my time.” Ah, he’d touched a nerve. Maybe Yafya needed to refine his approach a little.

“Well, I can’t outright pardon them anymore. But my word and connections still carry quite a bit of weight; I can make their stint in prison significantly longer…or shorten it considerably. You wouldn’t want to abandon your underlings, would you, Boss?” Let’s hope the rats were thorough in their information gathering; maybe the deer really did care about that pride of feline felons.

“If this is supposed to be blackmail—” Ah, assuming the worst case scenario right of the bat, the deer really was perfect. It was like looking into a mirror to his youth; Yafya seeing a dagger behind every smile while Gosha was a steady and reassuring presence at his back.

“Far from it, I’m proposing a mutually beneficial partnership. A man in your position should know quite a bit about those.” Now let’s see if Louis would play ball. “Let us assume, for a second, that a pride of lions had pled guilty to attempted kidnapping so that their victim, an unfortunate young deer of high standing, didn’t have to testify.” Honestly he’d rolled his eyes when he’d read the trial protocols; the prosecutor must’ve been blind and stupid not to notice anything fishy going on. The first red flag should’ve been that Samson the bull, known for defending the rich and famous, was suddenly punching way under his weight by representing a bunch of meat-head criminals.

It was probably the only reason the total sentence hadn’t ended up in the double digits; the stars must’ve aligned that day. Or it was the natural result of a sympathetic judge, a highly competent attorney and a complicit ‘victim’.

“Now, the prosecution wasn’t content with a small sentence, particularly since the victim, for some ungodly reason, had written a letter to the judge, asking for leniency. The gang was a well-known fixture of the Black Market, any prosecutor would’ve loved to lock them up and throw away the key. So they tacked on a few charges for illegal weapon possession and drug charges related to silvervine in order to inflate the sentence.” It was quite possibly the only smart thing the prosecutor had done throughout the trial; if Yafya had been there he would’ve torn the defense apart and forced the recalcitrant stag on the stand. Luckily he hadn’t or the bridge he was now set on crossing would’ve gone up in flames.

“The attempted kidnapping charge is technically already water under the bridge, the only thing still keeping those lions in prison is the sentence extension and the assortment of other charges. A competent attorney could ask that the guns and silvervine be re-examined by a neutral party, particularly if there were a small scandal related to the police department in question playing fast and loose with the evidence.” Hopefully the police chief would never find out about this; Yafya really didn’t like throwing law enforcement officers under the bus. In his defense, this particular department really did have problems with corruption and incompetence. It was only a matter of time before they were caught, they might as well serve a good cause while going under.

“What a wonderful story. Unfortunately I suspect that even a neutral party would reach the same conclusion after examining the evidence.” the deer sardonically observed from the comfort of his high-backed chair, fingers idly drumming on the arm rest.

Of course the results would remain the same; those lions were clearly guilty as sin. Yafya wouldn’t even contemplate wasting his time on them if they weren’t the key to Louis’s co-operation.

Luckily the 500 Cornered Rats could get into practically every building on the continent if they put their minds to it.

“That assumes there is still anything for them to examine. Things gets lost all the time you know, that’s why prosecutors regularly ask the judge for more time when handing over evidence. The bureaucracy is a nightmare, or so I’m told. Of course, after one or two extensions even the most mild-mannered judge would want to know where the evidence actually is. It’s rather embarrassing for the prosecution when that happens.” And if the prosecution couldn’t present it then any existing records of it were inherently suspect, particularly if there was a looming scandal about incompetent forensic analysts fudging the results.

Even an attorney fresh from law school could convince a judge to set a new trial which, without any actual evidence, would almost certainly result in an acquittal.

Louis was silent after Yafya finished his sales pitch; Yafya could practically see the gears turning in his head. All businessmen in high positions were used to weighing risk against reward. The horse hoped the stag’s sentimental affection for the lions was strong enough to sway him towards making a deal with the Black Devil.

“And if an agreement was reached, that evidence would…?” Splendid, Yafya didn’t have to spell it out. Trying to teach euphemisms to Legosi had been like pulling teeth; both had left the wolf talking incoherent nonsense.

“Disappear, never to be seen again. Silvervine releases a nice smell when burnt and guns, well, those get lost all the time; they’re scrapped or stripped for spare parts.” Or melted down into unrecognizable slag; Yafya didn’t get to be where he was by taking chances.

Yafya let Louis chew the offer over for a while, the deer lost in deep thought. The horse settled back into his comfy chair and waited, occasionally taking a sip of whatever it was the secretary had provided. Yafya hadn’t caught the name but maybe he’d ask on his way out; the smoky flavor was very appealing.

Finally the deer nodded and met the horse’s steady gaze, a steely look in his eyes. Good, he wouldn’t want a Beastar who was too eager to sell his soul.

“Deal. How long do your friends need to get it done?”

“You can call your attorney today if you like. Such a pleasure doing business with you Louis; I look forward to seeing what you can accomplish.” And that better be impressive; Yafya would hate to see his legacy squandered by an incompetent rich kid.

One signature later the horse was out the door even as the deer behind him reached for his phone, no doubt already calling the law office of Samson, Stanford & Grace.

Now that he had the meat, he could bait the wolf. It would be child’s play; Yafya had always been much more skilled at catching carnivores after all. It would also make for a much needed distraction from the nonsensical forensic reports and their frustrating investigation.

Legosi had never thought of himself as a particularly smart animal; his final report card from Cherryton Academy had been decent but not outstanding in any particular subject. And yet, as mediocre as his grades in biology had been, even he could tell that the report Yafya had told him to read was complete nonsense. He still preferred reading the document again to dealing with the fuming horse.

Granted, the wolf had no idea what exactly mitochondrial DNA sequencing was but he was fairly certain that the result had to be wrong; there was no way the animal in the footage was a purebred Merino sheep. Sheep were famously unable to grow fangs larger than those of most wolves. They’d been working on this latest devouring for a couple of days now; he’d even fallen asleep on Yafya’s couch yesterday. Haru had given him the mother of all scoldings for that. And yet, despite all their efforts, they had nothing much to show for it.

Hence the uncomfortable staring contest between Yafya and a rather irate otter via teleconference.

“I’d still like an explanation for this result. You’ve seen the footage, right?”

“Of course I’ve seen the footage! Stop treating me like a first year med student; I know it makes no sense. I’ve run the test thrice on three different machines; the problem is with the sample, not with my laboratory. Try showing your horror clip to the test tubes, see if they care about logic.” Legosi was given to understand that the flustered mustelid was of some renown in law enforcement circles, at least enough to be on Yafya’s contact list.

It was probably why he took it so personally when Yafya requested a face-to-face meeting to go over the report. “I didn’t think it smelled like a hybrid was the culprit either Yafya.” the wolf interjected. True, he’d had to fight his gag reflex when sniffing for anything unusual at the crime scene but he’d only gotten four scents with any clarity: male sheep, female tiger, male horse and male donkey.

His ears lowered slightly as he recalled all the effort spent on training his nose: he’d grown able to tell apart sex, age and health status in addition to species. It wasn’t as flawless an analysis as a laboratory could perform but it was invaluable when waiting was not an option.

Apparently the otter had calmed down some, adjusting his glasses and settling back into a chair way too large for the diminutive animal. “After studying the corpse I’ve discarded the theory that the teeth were a prosthetic. The bite strength needed for this type of damage is far beyond what even a trained sheep could accomplish. Our current working hypothesis is that we’re dealing with an extremely specific mutation our standard procedures aren’t designed to detect.” Legosi had no idea how plausible that explanation was but nodded along anyway. He’d leave the science talk to smarter minds, thank you very much.

Yafya had strangely enough given up on teaching him on that front too; it made the wolf anxious. He hated disappointing people.

“That sounds a little far-fetched, doesn’t it?” he horse wondered aloud. The otter bristled and Legosi was reminded of Haru preparing herself to deliver another scolding. The wolf winced and unconsciously leaned away from the screen.

“Well, unless you think he’s some kind of demonic entity here to claim the souls of herbivores, it’s the only remotely sane possibility left. We excluded literally everything else. Sorry to disappoint.” The otter’s voice was dripping with sarcasm. Legosi got the feeling that the mustelid was either having a very bad day or just difficult to work with in general; his high strung manner brought Louis’s compulsive perfectionism to mind.

Legosi’s mood plummeted further as he thought of the deer; he missed him terribly. Jack might be his oldest friend but he couldn’t relate to his wolf friend’s vigilantism. When Legosi had excitedly talked about the time a kidnapper had tried to shoot him and he managed to dodge every bullet, the retriever hadn’t looked impressed. Instead, his friend had stared at him in utter horror and Legosi hadn’t mentioned that part of his life since.

“I did, however, manage to extract enough information to create a genetic profile. I’ve uploaded it to the database.” Yafya actually perked up at that bit of news; Legosi hoped that would make their work a little easier. Even though a match was unlikely they’d get to compare the sample to the other devouring cases at least. “Unfortunately I can’t say the same for the tiger sample. Sorry, but with the dirt and other contaminants in the mix the sample is too small; the only thing I could determine with certainty is that we’re dealing with a woman.” They’d known that already though; that wasn’t a very helpful result unless the suspect was a cross dresser.

Legosi had to fight an embarrassed flush as he recalled his own abysmal attempt at disguising himself; at least Louis had had the decency to never mention that particularly harebrained idea of his. The wolf wondered how the stag was doing; according to Haru his and Azuki’s relationship was smooth sailing. Sometimes he longed for that type of easy harmony.

“If the database finds something you’ll be forwarded the results; the chief informed me that I should keep you in the loop. The media are already in a feeding frenzy; apparently they’ve been re-running the story of that gazelle hybrid from a few years back.” The otter gave a disdainful scoff; Legosi shared his obvious disapproval. He only hoped his grandpa’s kindergarten wouldn’t be negatively impacted, the donations were barely keeping it afloat as it was.

Maybe that was something he could talk with Louis about? Horns was a gigantic corporation and he lived in a mansion, surely he could help?

Wait a second; Legosi remembered something Yafya once told him. “Can’t we run the tiger’s stripe pattern through the racial recognition database?” The horse gave him an approving nod and Legosi’s tail started to wag softly; it was nice to feel useful.

Alas, the feeling was short lived. “Yes, but the picture quality isn’t very good. You’ll be forwarded those results as well; expect a lot of false positives. Now, as much as I love our talks Yafya, I do actually have work to do.” The horse waved him off with the barest minimum of politeness and the otter ended the video call with a huff.

“Well, that could’ve gone better.” The horse groused, glaring at their case pinboard. Pictures of the tiger and sheep were in the center, a smattering of information beneath them and way too many question marks for either of their liking. “Let’s hope that the database surrenders a few hints at least. I’m tired of ramming my head against the wall with these cursed devourings.” Dismissing the matter, Yafya turned to his apprentice-slash-successor. It was time to break the news.

“Have you given any thought to my offer?” It wasn’t necessary to elaborate; Yafya had been more or less aggressively asking Legosi to officially enter his Beastar application with the horse as his sponsor. One of the few privileges he’d kept was the power to submit Beastar candidates to the government, going right over the academy directors’ heads.

“I… Yafya, I told you I like doing this. Not just fighting, helping people. I like using my strength for a good cause!” Legosi had an easier time fighting when he thought of his body as a blunt weapon; the problem was that every weapon needed a competent wielder and Yafya wouldn’t always be there to guide him. “I just… There’s so much more to being a Beastar than fighting. Public appearances, interviews, public speeches…I really don’t think I’m cut out for it.” Legosi shuddered at the thought, hordes of animals staring at him, bellowing questions and shoving microphones in his face was the stuff of nightmares.

It wasn’t even an exaggeration; Legosi had had quite a few of those after Yafya first proposed making his status official.

Contrary to the wolf’s expectation the horse didn’t argue with his self-assessment. “I agree, which is why I’ll be suggesting you and your deer friend as a team. You can be the frontline fighter and he can be the team’s face. Louis already graciously accepted my offer.”

Legosi’s thoughts short-circuited as his usually expressionless eyes grew wide.

Louis had accepted Yafya’s offer to make them Beastars. They’d be fighting together. He’d be fighting bad people with Louis!

No, stop. Bad tail, stop wagging!

It was a useless effort. Legosi felt like he was floating an inch above the floor while his tail did its very best to distribute his hair through the former Beastar’s immaculately clean office. The horse meanwhile looked smug in a way that would have alarmed the wolf if he’d had the presence of mind to notice.

“I take it the idea meets your approval? Or should I call Louis to tell him you’re not interested?” The horse asked rhetorically while a look of alarm flashed across the wolf’s eyes.

“I’ll do it!” Yafya grinned and passed him the application awaiting his signature. Legosi almost broke the pen in his eagerness; as if the wolf would allow the opportunity to pass him by! He’d get to work with Louis, fight alongside Louis… It had been months since they’d spoken. True, the deer had been extraordinarily busy. Still, Legosi had contemplated driving his delivery bike to the Horns Estate and climbing over the fence if Louis didn’t open the gates. Haru had called the idea adorably stalkerish, which was apparently less bad than regular stalking.

The ink on the application wasn’t even dry when Legosi realized what he just did. His ears and tail flagged as he swallowed down a whine.

He’d forgotten about Haru.

Miyagi stood in front of his closet, rifling through hangers with a mix of excitement and nerves. He hadn’t felt this way in years; he'd been looking forward to tonight’s date for the entire week and even the stage crew had noticed that he was getting jittery. He picked up a few different shirts, holding them up to the mirror one by one, trying to strike the perfect balance between casual and sophisticated. Should he go with the dark blue button-down, the one that always made his eyes stand out, or the grey sweater that was comfortable but still looked sharp?

After several indecisive moments, he finally settled on the blue shirt, deciding it had just the right amount of confidence without trying too hard. As he laid out his clothes on the bed, he couldn’t help but imagine how the evening might unfold: the deer had been a surprise and a wonderful tease but he wouldn’t be caught off guard this time. He shook his head, grinning at himself in the mirror—he was getting ahead of himself.

Award-winning actors ought to have better self-control after all. He’d told his manager in no uncertain terms that he would take today and tomorrow off unless the studio was literally on fire; Cynthia had been less than pleased considering the possibility of reshoots for their legendarily unpleasable director. Miyagi hadn’t cared, considering the nightmare the shoot had been he deserved a nice weekend.

As he slipped into his freshly ironed shirt, Miyagi’s mind wandered to what might happen at the mask party. Would they go find some quiet corner to continue talking, or should he try and entice Leon to cut the evening short to retire to their room? He found himself replaying their last conversation in his head, analyzing every smile, every glance, wondering if the deer had felt the same spark he did. He caught himself wondering if he might stay the night, and immediately tried to push the thought away, not wanting to jinx it. Still, the possibility lingered in the back of his mind, adding a little extra thrill as he finished tying his shoes.

He took one last look in the mirror, smoothed down his shirt, and grabbed his keys, ready for whatever the evening had in store.

Chapter Text

Saturday evening came and so Louis once again found himself at Café Champion, descending the stairs and being ushered into the receiving room by Sebastian the Labrador. Thankfully the procedure was shorter this time around and soon, Louis was once again diving into the sea of sound and people that was the Night Mask Party. He was, as was often the case, early and so went to the bar to order a drink. Maybe another Grasshopper; the minty cocktail had brought him luck last time.

His order fulfilled, the deer retreated to one of the cushy padded booths and settled in to wait for his date, scanning the assembled animals. The dance floor was once again packed with sweaty, overly horny animals using every excuse to rub against each other. Louis was actually tempted to ask Miguel for a dance; his prosthetic had restored his foot to full functionality if one disregarded the lack of toes and feedback. Louis might only be an amateur actor but he’d still resented that the dances and athletic jumps he’d practiced to perfection would remain out of reach thanks to his missing foot; the chances of a compatible donor appearing were near zero.

Thankfully Louis was rich enough to compensate for that which nature sought to deny him. The medical development department of Horns was only too happy to provide a state of the art prosthetic to the deer; when Louis had danced with Azuki he’d almost cried. Only the knowledge that the entire Spring Season Charity Gala was watching them had served to restrain his suddenly overflowing emotions.

The deer mustered some of the dancers with a critical eye; he hadn’t spotted a rabbit mask yet. For a second he thought he did before he realized it was an actual rabbit whose domino-style raccoon mask blended in with his fur color.

Louis licked his suddenly dry lips and took another sip of his drink, savoring the taste of mint and cream. The strong flavor served to ground him and crowded out the strange odor he’d perceived last time as well; something woodsy he’d attributed to the assembled strangers’ colognes, perfumes and body odor. Clearly the source lied elsewhere.

Louis was so engrossed in his study of the animals on the dance floor that he failed to keep track of his surroundings; hence he jumped in his seat and almost knocked over his drink when someone called his fake name way too close for comfort.

“Ah, sorry Leon, I didn’t want to startle you. Are you all right?” he heard a bemused voice murmur into his ear, the speaker clearly not feeling sorry at all. Louis, his heart thundering a mile a minute, turned around to express his displeasure before shutting his mouth with a click.

Miguel looked stunning; even with the mask obscuring most of his face the wolf was clearly dressed to impress. He’d been handsome the first time as well but clearly looked like someone who had just gotten off work. His surprise must’ve shown because the wolf shot him a cocky smile and leaned in closer, crowding Louis against the upholstery. “Seen something you like?”

It seemed that the wolf’s self-confidence was back. Not one to be outdone, Louis grabbed Miguel’s tie and pulled him in for a kiss. To the canine’s credit he only tensed for a moment before relaxing and embracing the deer, the two animals comfortably settling into the booth.

A stray thought drifted through Louis mind; it was profoundly odd that he felt so comfortable around a man he’d only met once before. Last time there had been an odd, lingering sense of familiarity that grew particularly strong when his dumb, lust-drunk herbivore brain overlaid his date’s appearance with his memory of Legosi. That part of Louis was much quieter now; the sheer contrast between the two wolves now very evident.

“Well, that was a significantly warmer welcome than I’d hoped for,” the wolf settled back down next to Louis, his eyes never leaving the deer as the club music kept playing in the background “especially after our last meeting ended quite abruptly.” The wolf had the decency to look sheepish at the memory. “Sorry about that. I made sure that there won’t be any interruptions this time.”

“You’re forgiven. Rex knows I’ve had more than one inconvenient work call myself.” Considering the constant barrage of calls during the Horns merger Louis probably had no room to criticize; he’d had to call up quite a few of his employees at inappropriate times himself.

Miguel’s tail started wagging softly and Louis was gripped by the sudden urge to pet it. He settled for leaning into the wolf instead, sinking his fingers into the fur of his scruff. The canine shuddered at the contact, causing Louis to grin.

Canines were so easy.

As Louis’s eyes strayed to the dance floor, the throng of animals dancing to the music gave him a positively devious idea. “And to think, you left so quickly we never even got a chance to dance.”

The wolf’s ears perked up and he shot the deer a lascivious grin. “Oh? I’ll have to make up for the grievous oversight immediately. Luckily I’m an excellent dancer.” Miguel rose and extended his hand to Louis, who happily took it and allowed the canine to lead him to the dance floor.

Under the pulsing music and dizzying lights of the club, the deer and wolf found a rhythm in each other’s steps, moving in sync to the beat that echoed through the room. Colored lights flash across the floor, casting glimmers of red, blue, and gold onto their faces as they dance with surprisingly familiarity, hands sometimes brushing, other times gripping tightly.

Louis could feel the bass humming beneath his skin, grounding his movements as he smiled, laughed, and lost himself in the music. Miguel proceeded to draw the deer closer, his hands setting on slim hips. Around them, animals were grinding against each other in ways that bordered on indecent, but their focus remained on each other, a shared world within the larger, vibrant scene.

In that moment Louis felt a sense of pure freedom, set against the electric backdrop of a night that felt infinite.

The wolf, meanwhile, used the crowded surroundings as an excuse to keep his hands all over Louis. Louis shivered when Miguel’s claws brushed over his belly as his shirt rode up, causing the wolf to give a particularly predatory smirk. Soon enough, they’d worked up a thirst and went to the bar for a drink.

A Grapefruit Sour would do. After all, Louis had a good reason to stay sober this evening.

Drinks in hand they retreated back to the comfortable privacy of the plush booths near the back of the club; all the while Miguel’s hands kept wandering. It didn’t escape the deer’s attention that the wolf’s eyes were roaming over his body right along with his hands; it was a miracle that the wolf didn’t bump into anything.

Louis could feel his instincts flare up again. A predator was eyeing him and the primitive part of his herbivore brain was whimpering in fear. When Miguel unconsciously licked his lips, it sent a spike of anxiety straight through Louis’s brain, a flood of adrenaline hot on its heels.

Louis wanted to chase that feeling. He could get drunk off it, he just knew it.

Just as Louis moved to sit, the wolf’s arms shot out and grabbed the startled deer. A moment later Louis found himself safely deposited on Miguel’s lap, their drinks forgotten on the table.

And now the infuriating, lecherous wolf was grinning at him, leaning over Louis’s shoulder even as his arms kept the stag utterly immobilized. The position was awkward because he was mostly resting on one leg; Louis wiggled a little to get into a better position-

Louis shivered as Miguel released something that was not quite a growl but rumbled in his lungs all the same; the deer could feel it as the wolf’s immovable arms kept him pressed against the wolf’s chest. It seemed Miguel was more excited than he’d expected and Louis could feel his own blood heat in response.

As the wolf reached out with one clawed hand and maneuvered them into another kiss, Louis lust-drunk, terrified herbivore brain left him paralyzed with indecision, his instincts and wants pulling into opposite directions and demanding utterly incompatible courses of action. Louis would’ve been embarrassed, had he not been drowning in sensations at the moment.

A small, fleeting part of his mind screamed in protest, shouting that he shouldn’t be enjoying this, especially not with a carnivore. The risk was immense: his identity could be exposed, his reputation shattered beyond repair, Miguel could bite him, devour him–

Louis suppressed a full-body shudder as they broke apart, their breaths mingling in the narrow space between them. Miguel’s mouth hung open as he panted, every sharp fang glistening as his tongue instinctively swept over them.

Slowly, deliberately, Louis reached out to touch one of those sharp incisors.

The pounding music seemed to grow muted as their attention seemed to zero in on the point of contact. The wolf’s arms spasmed for a split second before he froze, eyes growing wide and holding his breath. The pad of Louis’s finger was resting gently on the point of that threatening fang and, just for a moment, Louis found he finally understood this dangerous, self-destructive obsession he had developed. It wasn’t just about the adrenaline or his deeply buried envy over a carnivore’s natural strength.

He looked at those fangs, the soft fur and those wide, hungry eyes and knew one thing with certainty: carnivores were beautiful creatures.

Finally, with agonizing slowness, movement returned to Miguel’s body and he carefully closed his mouth. His eyes stayed focused on Louis and, just for a moment, Louis thought he could feel the wolf’s tongue brushing against the digit.

Then the wolf pulled away and whatever spell they were under was broken.

The noise and sounds returned with a vengeance and Louis had to fight the urge to look around and check if anyone had seen his breathtaking display of suicidal stupidity. As the deer started to get fidgety, the wolf cleared his throat and seemed to find his voice again.

“I- You-,” he licked his lips and Louis wondered if the wolf’s saliva was flowing due to lust or bloodlust. Miguel closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to regain his composure. When he opened them again, lust was very much still present but restrained by a man’s determination. “Café Champion rents out a number of rooms; I already booked one to stay overnight. Would you like to join me for the evening?”

“Happily. Lead the way.” The deer licked his lips in anticipation. In fact, Louis would like nothing more at the moment. He barely took the time to process the sudden turn of events as they were leaving the club and returned to the dressing room; instinctively he looked about for the attendant to hand in his mask when he froze in realization.

Miguel would see his face.

Louis mercilessly crushed the rising anxiety even as it threatened to overwhelm his desire. Nothing would happen. Rich or not, Louis didn’t have much of a media presence. Azuki was the one whose face graced the glossy magazine covers; Louis preferred to remain holed up in his office and tend to the nitty gritty details that came with running one of the most powerful business entities on the continent.

He wasn’t a famous actor, politician or other public figure; he barely gave interviews! Unless he had the phenomenal bad luck that Miguel frequented the higher echelons of the business world he likely wouldn’t even connect his real name to Horns. Louis surely would have remembered ever seeing a grey wolf at any of those obnoxious high-society functions.

“Leon,” Louis jumped as a hand carefully rested on his shoulder and he turned to see Miguel watching him with concern “are you all right?”

Louis wanted to speak but couldn’t, his mouth simply refused to form the words. He remained paralyzed, caught in indecision, staring wordlessly like a deer frozen in the gaze of a predator. The awkward moment stretched on until a glimmer of realization crossed Miguel’s face. The wolf's grin widened, baring sharp teeth as he leaned in close, their faces nearly touching.

 “Do you want to take my mask off?”

Louis’s breath hitched. At the back of his mind arose the fleeting realization that this was likely his last chance to back out even as he reached up, fingers barely trembling, and removed Miguel’s mask.

As the wolf stood in front of him, finally unmasked and tail wagging softly, Louis thoughts didn’t dwell on how handsome he was or that he was likely around his father’s age. Rather, the odd feeling of familiarity that had been curiously absent this evening reasserted itself in full force.

He really does look like Legosi.

There were some differences, of course; Miguel’s eyes were sharper, his body more obviously muscular. His face in particular was much more expressive than Legosi’s had ever been. And yet, Louis was sure that the wolf was the image of what an older, much more confident version of his former underclassman would look like.

Provided he started caring for his appearance, changed his diet and fixed that horrible posture of his.

Miguel reached out and gently lifted the lion mask from Louis’s face, offering a soft smile as he did so. Whatever thoughts were swirling in Leon’s mind, he shoved them aside, resisting the urge to fidget under the wolf’s gaze. Oddly enough, losing the mask left him feeling… exposed.

Miguel’s smile grew a fraction wider. “Hey there.”

“Hey,” ah, and his words failed him again. The wolf chuckled and Louis swore he could feel his face grow hot. What in the world was wrong with him today? He wasn’t even drunk!

They returned their masks and ascended the stairs to the Café proper. Yet, the whole time, Louis felt like he was two steps to the left of his own body. He hadn’t been this nervous since… actually, he couldn’t recall ever feeling this unbalanced. Not even his first time with Haru had rattled him like this.

Far faster than Louis would have liked they had arrived at Miguel’s room. As Louis stepped over the threshold and felt the door close behind them, an odd feeling of finality washed over him. The tension in his body finally seemed to dissipate even as he felt the wolf’s hands grasp his hips and slowly turn the deer to face him.

Louis felt that Miguel had never looked more like a predator than at this very moment.

The wolf’s gaze was so full of hunger that, for a split-second, Louis genuinely thought he would be eaten. Hazily, he wondered why the expected dread at the thought failed to manifest before the wolf bodily deposited him on the bed.

His prediction was correct as well; Miguel looked terrifying as he loomed over the stag. “Miguel—”

“Miyagi.”

Louis blinked in confusion before his eyes widened in understanding, then grew wider still as the wolf started to remove his shirt. “I’d rather not have you moan a fake name.” Miyagi grinned salaciously as he crawled up the bedding, causing Louis to subconsciously retreat.

His expression softened into a smile as he drew Louis into another kiss. “You don’t have to tell me yours if you're uncomfortable.”

Louis grew rigid as he cast a suspicious look at the innocently smiling wolf. Was he being mocked?

“It’s Louis.” He’d come this far already, trying to play coy now would just be cowardly.

As Miyagi leaned back, Louis became acutely aware that he was trapped between the wolf’s chest and the headboard. “Well then, Louis. Have you ever slept with a male carnivore before?”

The memories of the deer’s ‘research’ and illicit purchases came roaring back, causing a wave of mortification and confusing arousal. It might’ve been deeply embarrassing but Louis had done his homework; his perfectionism would not permit him to walk into the wolf’s den unprepared.

No matter how vaguely uncomfortable the preparations had been.

“No,” Louis conceded, “but I made sure to come adequately prepared.”

“Have you now? I hope you don’t mind if I check.” Louis found himself near smothered in the wolf’s chest fur as Miyagi embraced him. Even so, he could hear the grin in his voice. “Now, why don’t we lose those pants hmm?”

Louis clung to Miyagi, the heat between them intensifying until he felt his pants slip lower, sliding off his hips. Suddenly, Miyagi went still, his muscles tensing beneath Louis’s grip. Confused, Louis glanced up, catching Miyagi’s expression: wide-eyed, a mixture of shock and something close to horror. Following his gaze, Louis’s eyes fell to his own prosthetic foot.

“Don’t,” Louis murmured, feeling a tremor of dread flicker through him. “Just ignore it.”

“I... I didn’t know—” Miyagi stammered, his voice barely a whisper, lost somewhere between shock and discomfort. Louis felt the once-electric atmosphere start to fizzle, leaving a raw silence that made his cheeks burn.

He fought the familiar sting of humiliation, the feeling he’d forced down every time he faced his doctor’s pitying glances. But this? This was different. This was meant to be his moment of intimacy, where he was whole, wanted, untouched by pity. Anger ignited within him, old resentment flaring up and searing through his chest.

Miyagi’s gaze softened, eyes filling with a sympathy Louis recognized all too well. Rage began to boil, overtaking him. In one swift motion, he bucked, catching Miyagi off-guard and shifting their positions, pressing the wolf firmly down into the bedding.

“Louis,” Miyagi started, voice hesitant, his mouth forming words that Louis was sure he didn’t want to hear. “I didn’t know you were a victim of a devouring. I’m so—”

“Don’t say it,” Louis growled, voice sharp, his fury surging. “I am not a victim.” The words came out rough, thick with loathing, and as he looked into Miyagi’s eyes, the rage within him only grew.

It was always the same, wasn’t it? The moment anyone glimpsed even a fraction of his vulnerability, he became someone to pity, something fragile. Unbidden, his thoughts conjured the image of a starving little fawn in a cage and Louis wanted to crawl out of his own skin. His pulse thundered in his ears as he straddled Miyagi, holding the wolf’s gaze in an unflinching stare.

“I made a choice,” Louis bit out, each word brimming with defiance. “Losing my foot was the price I paid for my friend’s life– and mine. I’d make that trade again in a heartbeat. And right now, I don’t want to talk about it.”

Beneath him, Miyagi shifted uncomfortably, his movements a reminder of Louis’s state of undress, the vulnerability that had sparked this entire exchange. The stag would not allow his past or anyone’s pity to define him. Not here. Not now.

Louis’s heart pounded as he loomed over Miyagi, the heat of his anger subsiding into something else: a steady, defiant resolve. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, maybe an apology, maybe more pity. Instead, Miyagi held his gaze, his eyes searching but steady. Only their breathing disrupted the silence that had descended over the room.

Miyagi’s voice, low and careful, broke the silence. “Then tell me what you want, Louis,” he said, his words a question and a surrender all at once. Louis bristled instinctively at the soothing voice but tamped his anger down. Miyagi didn’t know him yet, not really. The wolf meant well.

Louis would take what he could get, at least for now.

Louis felt the tension in his shoulders loosen, even as he fought not to let his guard down. But Miyagi didn’t look away, the wolf shifting only slightly below the deer. He simply waited, letting Louis have control of the moment. For the first time, Louis could feel a small sliver of rekindled excitement cut through his anger, easing the bitterness he’d grown so used to carrying. A familiar hunger alighted within him.

“I don’t need your pity, Miyagi. Just... see me.” The words felt strange and desperate on his tongue. Louis knew he was a liar and a hypocrite, asking the wolf to bare himself to Louis even as the deer kept his secrets under wraps.

He was okay with that. Louis had given up any thought of moral superiority the night he lost his foot. There was a part of the deer that kept reminding him that he never really made up for the damage his neglect had caused. Legosi became a predatorial offender; Riz was sent to prison, Tem died… He knew he didn’t deserve this.

Miyagi’s hand rose slowly, his palm resting against Louis’s jaw. “I see you, Louis. I promise.”

Something in Louis’s chest clenched, a tightness he hadn’t expected, his anger giving way to longing. He leaned into Miyagi’s touch, the warmth of his hand grounding him, feeling the distance between them close.

Louis’s pulse slowed, the anger draining away, leaving only the quiet thrill of intimacy he’d nearly lost. Miyagi’s gaze softened further even as lust slid back into his expression, his hand slipping from Louis’s jaw to his neck. A gentle pull that brought Louis closer, their breaths mingled as their lips met.

The emptiness at the bottom of Louis’s belly grew, squirming like a living creature woken from hibernation. As their kiss deepened, Louis once again felt Miyagi’s fangs brush against his tongue. He felt ravenous, half-starved; hunger was gnawing away at him and threatened to overwhelm him.

Louis choked as he felt the wolf’s hand slide between his legs. He stopped himself from closing his legs even as Miyagi’s hands began wandering over his body with far more lecherous intent than before. Louis pulled away from their kiss, expression flickering between outrage and arousal.

“Huh, what do you know,” the wolf licked his lips as Louis audibly sucked in a breath, fingers clenching in the wolf’s fur “you really did prepare yourself. I’m impressed, really. I would’ve been happy taking it slow and offering you oral. But this?” The wolf bucked his hips and Louis bit back a whimper.

“This is so much better.”

Louis could feel the wolf’s hands slide down his back to settle on his buttocks. A moment later he felt his body being breached; it burned, but he was prepared for that. As mortifying as his experimentation had been, it had evidently been necessary.

The stag’s eyes flickered downwards. Miyagi wasn’t overly large; his size was about proportionate for a canine of his stature. Unfortunately that meant he was still more than impressive by the standards of deer.

“Don’t worry,” Louis eyes snapped back up to Miyagi as heat rose to his cheeks; did something show on his face? “I’ll go as slow as you need. We have all the time in the world.” He could feel one of Miyagi’s hands slide back up to pull Louis closer; all the while the wolf’s hungry eyes tracked every twitch and shiver Louis didn’t manage to suppress in time.

Louis was so tired of denying himself.

He leaned forward for another kiss that would hopefully stifle any of the embarrassing noises his weak, fragile body was going to produce. The wolf chuckled before meeting him with even greater enthusiasm, their tongues clashing as Louis wrestled his own instincts into submission.

Even though Louis felt increasingly full, the yawning emptiness inside him only grew. Louis aggressively pushed into the kiss, startling the wolf who returned the stag’s desperation with great enthusiasm. Louis raked blunt, useless nails down the wolf’s back as he shuddered in pleasure. Another stab of burning pain made the stag hiss as the wolf nuzzled his neck, long, sharp fangs on display and only a hair’s breadth away from Louis’s skin. The molten pleasure that followed after left Louis trembling and weak; he collapsed back into the wolf’s waiting embrace. It still wasn’t enough; Louis desperately buried his head against Miyagi’s neck and, driven by some Rex forsaken primitive instinct, bit down.

All it earned him was a moan from Miyagi as the wolf’s rutting became increasingly frenzied. Louis held on for dear life even as the waves of ecstasy threatened to drag him under.

Louis had a moment of terrifying clarity; this was worse than Juno’s prophecy, worse even than any scandal his paranoid brain could dream up. He would chase this feeling forever and he’d never have enough.

This hunger would eat him alive.

Louis didn’t care; let it consume him. This was worth every sacrifice Louis would have to make.

Legosi trudged through the chilly dawn, exhaustion etched into his every step. The investigation they’d been pouring themselves into was going nowhere, each dead end fraying Yafya’s patience further. The gym training yesterday hadn’t helped. Usually Yafya was a bit more relaxed after they were done brutalizing the equipment but apparently the total absence of progress was getting to the horse. Lost in thought, he almost didn’t notice the two men stepping out of a nearby Café until a familiar face caught his eye.

A smile broke across Legosi’s face, and he called out, waving eagerly as he hurried over. “Louis! Wait!” He reached the two men with a smile on his face and his tail wagging happily, utterly failing to notice Louis’s look of quiet horror. Legosi’s eyes shifted briefly to the older man beside his friend–a tall, grey wolf–and gave a friendly nod before turning back to the deer. “I didn’t expect to see you here so early! Who’s your friend?”

Louis, who was usually so quick with a sharp comment, mumbled out an introduction, his face coloring. Was he getting sick? Legosi’s tail slowed somewhat at the thought; he knew Louis hated admitting to any kind of weakness and would just brush him off if he asked.

The deer straightened, trying to compose himself, but his eyes darted everywhere but Legosi’s. “Yeah… well, you know,” he muttered, a bit tersely. “Busy morning.”

The other grey wolf, standing just behind him, gave Legosi an easy smile, his demeanor relaxed as if he found the entire scene rather entertaining. He placed a steady hand on Louis’s shoulder, clearly comfortable with the awkwardness Legosi seemed blissfully unaware of. The younger wolf, still grinning, thought of their impending partnership and training under Yafya, entirely oblivious to the undercurrent between the two men.

“Good to see you out and about, though. Oh! I actually wanted to talk with you about a few things.” Legosi added with a sheepish grin, noticing Louis’s tension. Apparently the deer had a severe case of early morning grumpiness. Louis forced a strained smile, while Miyagi gave a soft chuckle, casting his younger companion a mischievous sidelong glance.

A rather ostentatious limousine pulled up next to them and as the driver exited to open the door, Legosi realized that he might’ve barged into the tail end of a business meeting.

“Oh no, did I interrupt something important? I’m sorry, I didn’t know—” the deer gave a groan and buried his head in his hands even as the older wolf seemed to find the embarrassing situation increasingly funny for some reason.

“Don’t worry, you’re not interrupting anything. Our meeting just ran a little long.” Miyagi explained as the deer’s head snapped up, turning to the wolf in something Legosi thought looked like alarm.

“Oh, you must’ve had lot to talk about!” The wolf exclaimed happily. According to Haru, Louis didn’t get out much so it was good he still met people outside of his company.

“Indeed, it was a very deep discussion. Thank you very much Louis, I hope we can continue another time.” The deer shot the wolf a warning look Legosi couldn’t decipher, his head turning back and forth between them in confusion. The wolf’s grin grew a fraction broader even as he gave the younger wolf a friendly nod; Legosi waved him goodbye with a quizzical look on his face as the older wolf wandered down the street and out of view.

He still had the uncomfortable feeling that he’d interrupted something important. Though it was strange that Louis was so quiet; usually the deer used every opportunity to explain Legosi’s social missteps in great detail.

“So, what is it?” the deer groused at the wolf, an ear flicking in annoyance.

“Huh?”

“You wanted to talk about ‘a few things’. So start!” the deer snapped, fingers drumming against his crossed arms in impatience. Oh no, did he make Louis angry again?

“Ah, it’s about the Beastar training, a few things Yafya wants me to tell you and a few other things, like—” the deer held up his hand and Legosi closed his mouth with an audible click. Louis was rubbing his head and, after a moment, released a sigh of irritation.

“Just get in the car. I haven’t eaten yet, you can tell me over breakfast.”

Louis turned and climbed into the car as Legosi followed him happily. He’d get free breakfast and knowing Louis they would probably eat somewhere upscale.

The day was looking up already.

Chapter Text

The clink of fine porcelain and the gentle hum of conversation filled the air of the luxurious Café Éclat. Morning sunlight streamed through large windows, casting a golden glow over marble tabletops and plush seating. Legosi shifted in his chair, his wide eyes darting from the sparkling chandeliers to the polished silverware in front of him. The wolf’s fingers twitched to adjusted a tie he wasn’t wearing, he’s never felt as underdressed as he did at this very moment, and glanced at the deer seated across from him.

Louis, with his perfectly tailored suit and calm demeanor, appeared utterly at ease. He sipped his espresso, the faintest smile curling his lips as he observed Legosi's obvious excitement.

“Nice place, huh?” Legosi said, his voice hushed as though he didn’t want to disturb the serene atmosphere. “I mean, look at this. Even the sugar cubes look expensive.”

Louis chuckled, placing his cup down with practiced precision. “They probably are. Imported from somewhere unnecessarily exotic, I’m sure.”

Legosi laughed nervously. “I wouldn’t know. This is way out of my league.” He flipped through the menu with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. “Eggs Florentine sounds fancy. I’ll go with that. Do you know what it is?”

“Of course,” Louis replied, leaning back. “You'll enjoy it, trust me.”

The waiter appeared as if on cue, seamlessly taking their orders and whisking away. Legosi couldn’t suppress a grin as he watched him leave. “This feels like a dream. Thanks for inviting me, Louis. I could never afford a place like this on my delivery job.”

Louis waved a dismissive hand. “It’s just breakfast, Legosi. Consider it a welcome gesture. We’ll be spending a lot of time together soon, after all.”

“Right!” Legosi straightened, his grin widening. “I can’t believe I get to train with you. You’ve been kind of hard to get a hold of recently, you know?”

Louis smirked. “Am I?”

“Definitely. When Yafya told me I’d be working with you, I could barely believe it. He told me you’ll handle the publicity for both of us. Plus, you’ve got that corporate thing going on. That’s, like, next-level multitasking. Oh, and we’ll also start training together. Yafya said he’ll call you but we’ll start the end of next week.”

Louis inclined his head, the compliment landing somewhere between flattering and faintly annoying. Multitasking wasn’t actually impressive; it was an entry-level skill you needed in the business world. Still, he didn’t correct Legosi’s starry-eyed impression; some illusions were best left intact.

Legosi leaned forward, his tone turning serious. “We’re currently looking into a string of devourings– it's a mess. Yafya’s losing his mind, and I don’t blame him. The DNA evidence doesn’t make any sense. It says our guy’s a purebred Merino sheep, but the video footage shows he’s a hybrid. Yafya’s contact also says the bite strength is too great for anything but the genuine article, so we ruled out implants or the like.”

Louis raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “That’s... unusual. And this contradiction has gone public?”

Legosi shook his head grimly. “No, the news would’ve run with it. People are already starting to get twitchy, the last thing we need is them thinking we’ve got some mastermind who can beat both cameras and genetics.”

“Sounds frustrating,” Louis murmured. He swirled his espresso, considering the implications. “But intriguing. I’ll be interested to see how this unfolds once I’m officially involved.”

Legosi’s face lit up again. “It’ll be great having you on board. We need all the help we can get. Honestly, I was starting to think we’d never crack it. Yafya says he’s meeting an old friend soon, both to get our names as Beastars out and to get us some actual support beyond the regular police rank-and-file.” The wolf’s voice turned hushed and conspiratorial towards the end. “Apparently he used to be the police superintendent before he got promoted to ministerial secretary!”

Louis gave him an enigmatic smile, but his thoughts drifted. Legosi’s enthusiasm was refreshing, if a little naive. The wolf had no idea how tangled things could become–not just with the case but with the web of secrets Louis himself was weaving. Sitting here with Legosi was a reminder of how precariously balanced his life had become.

The flash of a memory surfaced: Miyagi’s hand on his arm, the lights and music of Café Champion swirling around their entwined figures as they exited together. That had been only hours ago, but now Louis was here, playing the role of the friend, the respectable businessman, the faithful husband. Azuki knew about the affair since she’d orchestrated it, in her own calculating way. But the public? He doubted they’d be as understanding.

“Louis?” Legosi’s voice cut through his reverie. “You okay? You look like you’re a million miles away.”

“Just thinking,” Louis said smoothly. “About how much work we’ve got ahead of us.”

“Yeah, but it’s exciting, right?” Legosi’s enthusiasm was infectious. “I mean, working with you is going to be great. And this breakfast? Best morning I’ve had in... ever. Oh! How are things with Azuki, by the way? Haru told me you got her flowers the other day.”

“We’re doing well, thank you for asking. Honestly, our relationship is going much better than I’d thought it would. Azuki taking care of our social functions and public image while I tend to the business doesn’t hurt either. How is Haru?”

Legosi’s tail slowed its wagging as the wolf’s shoulders drooped noticeably. “She… didn’t take it well. I think she knew it was coming but she’s staying with her parents right now. I hope,” Legosi paused, lost for words and for an alarming moment Louis was afraid that the wolf would start to cry, “I hope she’ll forgive me and we can talk this over.”

An awkward silence descended on their formerly pleasant morning. Just as Louis was scrambling to change topics, help arrived from an unexpected direction: the waiter returned, setting plates before them with the elegance of a stage magician.

Legosi stared at his dish, a golden poached egg perched atop a bed of spinach and a toasted English muffin, all draped in creamy hollandaise sauce, with a mixture of awe and confusion.

Secretly happy about the timely distraction, Louis suppressed a laugh. “That’s Eggs Florentine. Poached eggs, spinach, sauce hollandaise. Give it a try.”

Legosi hesitated, then took a tentative bite. His eyes widened, and a muffled “Oh, wow,” escaped his lips.

“Good?” Louis asked, amused.

“Good? This is amazing. I didn’t know eggs could taste like this.” Legosi dove back into his meal with gusto, the worries of the case momentarily forgotten.

Louis sipped his espresso, watching the wolf with a mixture of fondness and mild exasperation. Legosi was an open book, so easy to read it was almost disarming. It made him wonder how they would fare in the weeks to come, as their training intensified and the complexities of the case, and Louis’s own life, continued to unfold.

His thoughts shifted to the gang of lions he was quietly working to free. It had taken months of maneuvering to secure the right lawyer, to pull the right strings without drawing attention. Yafya’s assistance came as an unexpected boon; the Shishigumi’s freedom was now only a matter of time. And then there was Azuki’s plan to have a child, a prospect that filled Louis with a strange mix of dread and resignation. It was an arrangement, like everything else in their marriage. Practical, strategic, devoid of romance beyond the easy familiarity of friendship.

Louis wondered, somewhat desperately, if he would make a good father.

And yet, amidst all this chaos, there was something strangely exhilarating about the uncertainty of it all. The coming weeks would be a juggling act, no doubt, but they would also be... interesting.

Louis set down his cup, a small smile playing at his lips. “Enjoy your meal, Legosi. You’ll need the energy.”

Legosi paused mid-bite, grinning. “Oh, I will. Thanks, Louis!” The wolf’s tail was wagging up a storm behind him and Louis decided to make breakfast with Legosi a regular part of his weekly schedule. Maybe then he could get the wolf to put on some weight too. One of the side effects of meeting Miyagi was the realization that Legosi was incredibly lanky for a wolf.

Louis inclined his head, his smile deepening ever so slightly. Yes, the coming weeks would be very interesting indeed.

The elevator hummed softly as it ascended, the faint ding of each floor passing marking an old goat’s progress. He leaned heavily on his cane, muttering under his breath, his weathered face twisted in a scowl. The plush carpeting and mirrored walls of the lift, usually a source of quiet pride, offered him no comfort tonight.

“Ungrateful wench,” he grumbled, his voice low and bitter. “After everything I gave her, she repays me with betrayal. And now this: contracts pulled, reputation tarnished. For what? A misguided sense of morality?”

The name Yumiko burned in his mind like a brand. His assistant of ten years, sharp, ruthless, utterly dependable, had seemed as pragmatic as himself. Yet somehow, the mare had decided to hand over damning evidence of his Black Market dealings to the authorities. Worse, she’d turned up dead shortly afterward, leaving him under a cloud of suspicion.

“Couldn't keep her mouth shut,” he hissed. “And now... everything’s falling apart.”

The elevator came to a halt with a soft chime. He stepped out into the penthouse hallway, polished wood gleaming under warm golden lights. His apartment door, glossy black with an understated brass handle, opened at the press of his fingerprint. The man stepped inside, his polished loafers clicking against marble flooring.

The sight of a light still on in the living room stopped him in his tracks.

“Damn it,” he muttered, his grip on the cane tightening. “She forgot it again. How hard is it to turn off the lights before leaving?” His cleaning lady, or rather her manager, would hear about this in the morning.

He strode toward the living room, already rehearsing the scolding he would deliver. As he crossed the threshold, the words died in his throat.

A young horse lounged in his favorite armchair, the buttery leather creaking slightly under his weight. In his hand was a delicate crystal glass, half-full with an amber liquid that sparkled in the light. The intruder tilted the glass idly, swirling the brandy before taking a long, languid sip.

“Who the hell are you?” the old goat bleated, his voice cracking with a mix of fury and fear. “What are you doing in my apartment? Get out before I call the police!”

The equine, dressed in a crisp black shirt and dark slacks, looked up and smiled. His face was quite handsome, with sharp cheekbones and eyes that gleamed like polished onyx. Purebred, probably a quarter horse, the stallion was the very image of the kind of herbivore the old goat would usually prefer to meet at business meetings or galas. But there was something unsettling in his expression, a calmness that felt out of place.

“You really shouldn’t keep this brandy lying around,” the intruder said, his voice smooth and conversational. “It’s far too good to waste on guests who wouldn’t appreciate it.”

The aged caprine’s hand trembled as he pointed his cane. “I don’t care who you are, leave, now!”

The young man sighed, setting the glass down on the low table beside him. He leaned back in the chair, crossing one leg over the other as though he had all the time in the world.

“Tell me,” he began, his tone still maddeningly casual, “are you upset about Yumiko? She must’ve been a real asset to you: sharp, loyal, willing to get her hands dirty.”

The old man froze, his blood running cold. “What... what do you know about Yumiko?”

The young stallion’s smile widened, the corners of his mouth stretching just a little too far. “Enough to know her death was very inconvenient for you. She played her cards well, didn’t she? If it’s any consolation, she didn’t even try to bribe us with your secrets. Not that it would’ve done her any good.”

Fear clawed at the old man’s chest as the intruder stood, unfolding himself from the chair with a languid grace. He was tall, impossibly so, and the light caught the edges of his silhouette in a way that made his movements seem... wrong.

“I really hate Sublime Beastar Yafya,” the young horse continued, pacing slowly toward him. “He demolished our home, you see. The Black Market was where we lived, where I thrived. That bastard wanted to wipe it off the map, and all of you just let him. But you... you’re actually worse.”

The old goat backed away, his cane tapping against the floor in uneven rhythm. “I— I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re insane!”

The young equine’s grin widened further, revealing teeth that were too sharp, too large, gleaming like polished ivory. “Don’t lie to me. You profited off the market for years– smuggling, laundering, whatever dirty job needed doing. And when Yafya came knocking, you betrayed us all for a government contract.” The stallion’s smile slipped momentarily, bitterness creeping into his voice. “We just wanted a home, no matter how dirty or small it was. But you couldn’t just let us be, could you? You just had to have that too, because the rest of society wasn’t enough.”

“I– I had no choice!” the goat stammered, his voice rising in desperation. “It was survival. Business!”

The intruder stopped, tilting his head as though considering the excuse. Then he laughed: a soft, chilling sound that sent shivers down the old man’s spine. “Business,” he echoed, his voice now low and almost guttural. “How quaint.”

The old goat turned, making a break for the door. His heart thundered in his chest, the weight of his age and fear slowing his steps. But before he could reach it, the horse was on him– inhumanly fast, a blur of black that slammed him to the floor.

“No!” the caprine screamed, flailing against the crushing weight pinning him down. “Please, I’ll give you money— anything you want!”

The young stallion leaned closer, his face mere inches away. “What we want,” he said softly, “is for you to disappear.” His grin was a grotesque mask now, his teeth gleaming like knives.

“Thank you for the meal.”

The old goat’s scream tore through the air as the intruder lunged, teeth sinking into the soft flesh of his throat. Blood sprayed, hot and thick, soaking into the marble beneath them. The old man’s voice faltered, choking off in a wet, gurgling sound as the light in his eyes began to fade.

The stallion stood, licking his bloodied lips with a tongue that seemed far too long. He glanced around the room, then back down at the lifeless body.

“They always taste absolutely vile,” he murmured, almost wistfully, before slipping out into the night.

Chapter Text

The sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains of Judge Junko’s private chambers, casting long shadows over the mahogany desk where three individuals sat in tense silence. Judge Junko, an elderly rabbit with sharp eyes and an unyielding demeanor, tapped her pen rhythmically against a legal pad, her expression a storm brewing just beneath the surface. Across the table, Samson leaned back with practiced nonchalance, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of the bull’s mouth as he observed the unfolding drama. To his left, a young stallion sat hunched, clutching a folder as if it might shield him from the oncoming tempest.

Honestly, he felt bad for prosecutor Maximilian, just a little. The young equine looked as if he was fresh out of law school and probably didn’t deserve to be thrown under the bus by the chief prosecutor. The horse likely hadn’t even realized what a minefield he was about to walk into when he was handed the files; after all, what newly minted lawyer would expect his boss to screw up this badly?

The scandal that had engulfed the city’s justice system had thrown many courtrooms into disarray, and this hearing was no exception. The recent revelations about Cherryton’s northern police department’s fabrications had opened a floodgate of appeals, rehearings, and demands for justice. While Samson was delighted to have the rare gift of an effortless appeal handed to him on a silver platter, he couldn’t help but question why he was involved in this particular case.

The gang he represented, a motley group of Black Market criminals, wasn’t exactly the sort of clientele that could afford his services. Normally, such cases would fall under Grace’s purview. Grace, a fellow senior partner, was the firm’s ambassador for civil and pro-bono work, burnishing their reputation with high-profile good deeds. She had handed this case off to him, claiming it came through Freedom Alliance, a well-regarded charity dedicated to overturning wrongful convictions. The bull suspected there was more to it. Someone seemed to have taken a personal interest, but he wasn’t inclined to investigate. After all, the charges against his clients were absurd to begin with.

The most serious accusation, a kidnapping, was undermined by the victim himself, who had written a heartfelt letter to the original trial judge begging for leniency. The rest of the charges, hastily appended by the desperate chief prosecutor, involved dubious drug and firearm evidence. That evidence, as Samson successfully argued, had been handled by the now-disgraced police department and deserved reexamination by an impartial entity. Judge Junko had agreed, issuing an order to the prosecutor’s office to hand over the evidence. Weeks had passed, a deadline extension had come and gone, and now they were here, in the judge’s chambers, awaiting an explanation for the prosecutor’s noncompliance. Honestly, Samson had come prepared to fight a protracted legal battle while the prosecutor’s office played defense to save face.

Instead, it appeared he was set to win by doing absolutely nothing while the prosecution’s case collapsed before his very eyes.

Maximilian, visibly inexperienced and sweating under the weight of his office’s failure, fumbled with his words. “Your Honor, we can’t,” he began hesitantly, “we… we haven’t been able to locate the evidence.”

The judge froze mid-tap, her pen hovering above the pad. The elderly rabbit seemed frozen for a few moments, until her long ears started twitching. The silence stretched long enough for Samson to take a sip of water, savoring the prosecutor’s discomfort. Finally, Junko spoke, her voice icy and controlled. “You lost the evidence?”

Maximilian wilted under her gaze. “It’s not just this case, Your Honor. Other evidence from the same department has also… gone missing.”

The admission was met with stunned silence. The rabbit’s face turned an alarming shade of red, and she slammed her pen onto the desk with enough force to make the stallion flinch. “Are you telling me,” she said, her voice rising, “that this police department, already mired in scandal for fabricating evidence, is now conveniently losing it?”

Samson seized the moment, his tone polite but pointed. “Your Honor, may I ask if this is a systemic issue? Has an investigation been launched into the scope of these disappearances?”

The young horse sank deeper into his chair, his expression confirming the bull’s suspicions. The department wasn’t just incompetent, it was actively covering its tracks. The prosecutor’s office was complicit, whether through negligence or design, and the whole system reeked of desperation to protect itself.

Judge Junko was, predictably, seething. “This is corruption at its most blatant. These cases are an absolute embarrassment for this court and the entire legal profession. You have 48 hours, Mr. Maximilian. Either locate that evidence or I will void the entire conviction.”

Samson fought to restrain himself; few judges liked premature celebrations. The bull leaned forward, his tone mild but his words cutting. “Your Honor, given the circumstances, I’d like to request a dismissal with prejudice. The chain of custody is irreparably compromised, and this case—”

Maximilian shot up, his earlier meekness replaced by a flash of panic. “Your Honor, that’s premature! We—”

“Enough.” Junko’s voice cut through his protest like a gavel striking wood. “I will consider your arguments once you have properly filed them. In the meantime, Mr. Maximilian, I suggest you prepare for all eventualities. If you want to salvage this case, I recommend you either find the evidence or start negotiating a deal.”

The hearing ended with a curt nod from the judge, and as they filed out of the chambers, the equine lagged behind. Once out of the judge’s earshot, he turned to Samson, his voice a mixture of defeat and desperation. “Can we talk tomorrow? Off the record?”

Samson’s smirk returned, and he clapped the younger man on the shoulder. “Of course, Maximilian. Always happy to chat. Feel free to call my office and we can talk over lunch tomorrow, my treat.” One should always strive to be gracious in victory; after all, the only thing worse than a sore loser was a sore winner.

As Samson eyed the retreating horse’s cheap suit, he decided to treat Maximilian to a nice lunch at Éclat, a place the young prosecutor wouldn’t be able to afford for years. Despite himself, Samson felt a pang of sympathy for the young equine. Besides, building connections in the prosecutor’s office was always a smart move. Spending a couple hundred bucks on lunch seemed like a worthwhile investment.

As he exited the courthouse, the brisk afternoon air did little to cool the bull’s thoughts. He pondered the strange alignment of events. His clients, a rather unimpressive gang with no discernible influence outside the Black Market, seemed to have stumbled into extraordinary luck... or perhaps someone powerful was pulling strings behind the scenes. He couldn’t rule it out. The involvement of Freedom Alliance, Grace’s sudden interest, the police department’s scandal, it all seemed just a bit too convenient.

Though he couldn’t quite figure out why in the world other cases were also seeing their evidence disappear. Maybe it was a distraction? Or perhaps he was reading too much into it and the department was just even more of a corrupt cesspit than he’d anticipated?

Not that it mattered. It was a disaster, the flaws and lack of competent oversight laid bare for all to see. If the Shishigumi walked free, it wouldn’t be a miscarriage of justice, but a correction of it. Samson had no pity for a system so broken it allowed such chaos to thrive. His job was to navigate it, not fix it.

With a glance at his watch the bull hailed a cab, already planning his next move. Victory was close, and whether it came through evidence, leverage, or sheer incompetence on the prosecutor’s part, he would take it. Ultimately, his clients would get the best legal representation money could buy, regardless of whence said money came. After all, he thought wryly, justice might be blind, but it certainly wasn’t cheap.

Louis pressed his forehead against the cool shower tile, his fists clenched at his sides. The hiss of water filled the room, but his mind was a roaring storm. Don’t look. Just don’t look, he repeated silently, the mantra doing little to stave off his growing frustration. Every fiber of his being screamed to keep his head straight, to avoid glancing at the figure moving a few feet away.

Legosi was scrubbing his grey fur furiously, the sharp scent of citrus shampoo filling the humid air. Louis could hear him muttering curses under his breath, and then, a yelp.

“Ah, damn it! Got it in my eyes,” Legosi said, stumbling slightly as he reached out blindly.

Louis’s stomach twisted as he resisted the urge to turn. But then the canine spoke again, his voice tinged with genuine plea. “Louis? Where’s my towel? Can you help me out?”

A groan escaped before Louis could stop it. He turned, against his better judgment, his eyes sweeping involuntarily over Legosi’s water-slicked frame before snapping up to the bedraggled face peeking between Legosi’s dripping hands. You’ve got to be kidding me, he thought bitterly, forcing his expression into something resembling indifference.

Why did he think that helping Legosi fill out that thin frame of his was a good idea?

“Here,” Louis said, his voice coming out harsher than intended as he grabbed the towel hanging on the hook next to him. He tossed it toward Legosi without meeting his eyes.

“Thanks senpai,” Legosi said, chuckling as he patted his fur and wiped the suds from his eyes. “I swear, I’d lose my head if it weren’t attached.”

Louis said nothing, turning back to his own showerhead, but his thoughts were anything but quiet. Not for the first time Louis found himself in despair. Why him? What great crimes had he committed to deserve this dreadful wolf-induced sexual frustration?

This wasn’t supposed to happen. He had his life neatly arranged, compartmentalized to perfection. His wife Azuki understood him, Miyagi fulfilled him, and yet... here was Legosi, undoing him without even trying. The worst part was the undeniable resemblance to Miyagi: a younger, easily led version of the man Louis had grown so fond of.

It was torture, seeing Legosi three times a week during their grueling training sessions. His mind had always been his strongest weapon, but now it felt like it was turning against him, dragging his attention to every quirk and smile Legosi offered. And it didn’t help that the absolute dolt of a wolf, clueless as ever, had no idea what he was doing to him!

“Louis? You okay?”

Legosi’s voice pulled him back, and Louis realized he’d been standing under the water far too long. He shut it off abruptly, running a hand through his hair. “Fine,” he muttered. “Just tired.”

Legosi shrugged, wrapping the towel around his waist. “Yeah, Yafya really pushed us today. I thought my legs were going to give out during those sprints.”

Louis would love nothing more than to make Legosi’s legs give out for an entirely different reason.

Rex above, Haru would kill him if she knew what was going through his head lately. Legosi was off-limits for any number of reasons but his insatiable, irresponsibly stupid libido just wouldn't listen to reason.

Internally fuming, he bit back a comment, opting instead to dry off quickly and dress without looking in Legosi’s direction again. As he rubbed his beeswax polish onto his antlers, he could feel Legosi’s gaze, puzzled but not suspicious, and it only made his internal chaos worse.

His fantasies were already wreaking havoc on his sleep schedule. When had he become such a libidinous pervert? What in creation were the wolves in his life doing to his self-control?

By the time they were dressed and stepping out of the locker room, Louis’s control was fraying at the edges. They exchanged a polite farewell and Louis wanted to bite someone as he suffered through yet another of Legosi’s bone-crushing hugs. The stag strode toward the waiting limousine with measured steps. The moment he slid into the leather seat and the door closed, he exhaled deeply, slumping back against the plush interior.

“Drive to Hawktree Penitentiary,” he instructed Felix curtly.

As the city blurred past the tinted windows, Louis rubbed his temples. Training had become a special kind of purgatory. He had always prided himself on his discipline, his ability to remain aloof in the face of temptation or chaos. But Legosi had cracked something in him. The growing physical attraction was undeniable, made worse by the knowledge that he could not have him. It was a stark contrast to his youth, where disinterest in romance had set him apart from his peers.

And then there was Miyagi. Was his affair with the older man born from genuine connection, or was it because Miyagi reminded him of Legosi? The thought gnawed at him, making it impossible to separate his feelings. Was this some deeply rooted fetish, or worse, a twisted projection of unresolved desire?

His thoughts strayed to Juno and Louis wanted to sink into the cushions and disappear. It was probably a carnivore fetish grown to monstrous proportions. Thank Rex the conglomerate was staffed entirely by herbivores. Louis could suffer through the occasional business meetings with carnivores but luckily he had as yet been spared the mortifying experience of being attracted to a business associate.

Still, fate could only be tempted so much and Louis had never been one of her favored children. If he ever saw a grey wolf at a gala or meeting he fully planned to make a speedy exit.

He sighed, looking out the window as the penitentiary loomed in the distance. At least this was something he could control. The clandestine legal wrangling had been exhausting, but it had paid off. Grace had informed him three days ago that the case against the Shishigumi had not so much collapsed as it had suffered a catastrophic disintegration amidst the legal cataclysm that was only now beginning to subside.

The Shishigumi, eight loyal lions who had once served under his command, would walk free today. It was a total victory, even if it was one orchestrated in the shadows.

It seemed that his father’s former associate had come through, even if she had seen fit to employ one of her partners rather than handle the case herself. It was probably better this way, another degree of separation between himself and the case.

The limousine rolled to a stop, and Louis lowered the window slightly, the cold air brushing against his face. Only minutes later, the heavy doors of the penitentiary creaked open, and one by one, the lions emerged. Their tailored suits, though a little worse for wear, were an almost comical contrast to the drab gray of their surroundings.

Free, ever the boisterous feline, spotted Louis immediately. A wide grin spread across his muzzle as he waved enthusiastically, his boyish energy undiminished despite his time behind bars. Louis pinched the bridge of his nose, suppressing a smile. He could already imagine Azuki’s reaction to their arrival at the estate.

But practicality aside, these men were family in their own way. Reliable, ruthless when needed, and unquestionably loyal. He would find a place for them, even if it meant a few headaches along the way.

Ibuki would never forgive him if he left his gang to rot; Louis barely managed to forgive himself most days for all of his past mistakes.

The limousine door opened, and Free leaned in, still grinning. “Boss,” he said, his voice brimming with excitement. “We’re back.”

Louis shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips despite himself. “Get in. Let’s get out of here before someone changes their mind.”

The Shishigumi piled in, their banter filling the car as the driver pulled away from the penitentiary. Compliments abounded for the luxurious accommodations. Louis leaned back, momentarily allowing himself to relax. Whatever turmoil training with Legosi had brought into his life, this moment was his solace. Here, he was in control, surrounded by people who knew exactly who he was and what he stood for.

For now, that would have to be enough.

“Boss, uh, I have a question.” The low hum of the limousine’s engine barely covered the sudden hush that fell over the group as Agata turned to Louis. Meeting the stag’s piercing gaze, he hesitated, then pressed on when Louis gave a calm, almost imperceptible nod. “How did you manage to get us out? The lawyer you sent said our charges were dropped in return for that waiver we signed.”

“Yeah, but a bunch of other guys are also being released. Who pulled the strings on that one?” Free cut in, his feline ears twitching with curiosity. Before he could spiral further, Dolph reached over and wrangled the overzealous lion back into his seat with a firm tug.

Louis’s eyes swept over the group like a headmaster appraising unruly schoolchildren. Despite their history as hardened criminals, the men immediately quieted and sat with an almost comical obedience. Even Dolph, typically unshakable, wore a flicker of intrigue on his otherwise stoic face. Louis savored the moment, a rare and intoxicating taste of power regained after too long away.

It’s good to be back, he mused silently, his lips curving into a slow, knowing smile.

He began, his tone smooth yet commanding. “First, as far as the public is concerned, your lawyer was sent by Freedom Alliance to work your case pro-bono,” Louis cracked a grin at the lion’s dubious expression “but yes, I was the one who directed them to you. You have no idea how much work I had to do behind the scenes to make this happen.”

As if on cue, Free let out a triumphant cheer, only to earn a withering glare from Dolph. “Shut up, Free. Let the boss talk,” he growled, shoving the younger man back down.

Louis chuckled lightly and continued. “Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The original plan was simple: make your evidence disappear and push for a corruption angle to get you off on technicalities. But then things got...complicated. It seems our dear law enforcement has more rats in its ranks than I anticipated. When the evidence vanished, panic set in. My guess? Each dirty cop assumed a colleague was cleaning house and decided to do the same to cover their tracks. It became a domino effect of self-preservation. Apparently not one of them put two and two together to realize that someone would have to notice so much evidence missing.” He shook his head in mock disappointment. Even though it resulted in quite the uproar and caused a bit of a headache for Yafya the story was actually pretty funny from an outsider’s perspective.

The men leaned in, riveted. Louis relished their wide-eyed attention, pausing for effect before delivering the punchline. “By the time your lawyer requested the evidence for review, the department was scrambling. Not only was your case file gone, but a whole cache of evidence had mysteriously disappeared. Someone leaked the chaos to the press, and there you have it: Cherryton is now drowning in the biggest legal scandal of the decade.”

Laughter erupted inside the limo. As seasoned criminals, the men couldn’t resist a touch of schadenfreude at the spectacle of law enforcement’s self-inflicted humiliation. Louis chuckled along, though his amusement was tempered by the lingering weight of the fallout. For the stag, the scandal had been both a triumph and a double-edged sword. The public reaction to the scandal had been less than ideal; the majority of cases had been carnivores and the public’s faith in the institutions meant to serve them had been on the decline already. Public protests outside the prosecutor’s office had been relentless, a ticking time bomb in an already tense social climate. Their public debut as Beastars was next week and Yafya had been a merciless taskmaster, which only added to the pressure.

Louis had felt somewhat chagrined when he realized that his own broadcasting network had been on the cusp of siding with the prosecutor’s office before the stag put his thumb on the scale.

“I’ll fill you in on the finer details later,” he said, steering the conversation back on track. “For now, I figured you’d want to see where you’ll be staying first.” He smirked as the group perked up visibly, their anticipation practically palpable. “I had a guest wing remodeled and the gym outfitted with carnivore grade equipment. Let’s just say it’ll be a significant upgrade from the Shishigumi’s old accommodations.”

“Sweet! So we’re crashing at your place, boss?” Free’s excitement was infectious, though Louis’s sharp glance quickly tempered it.

“Yes,” Louis replied, his tone firm. “You’ll be living at the Horns Estate for the foreseeable future. Welcome to the lap of luxury, boys.” The cheer that erupted this time was deafening, and even the usually reserved Hino cracked a rare smile. Louis let the celebration run its course before raising a hand to command silence.

“Now listen up. The estate is my home. More importantly, it’s the home of my wife. That means we’re going to establish a few ground rules. Break them, and I’ll personally turn you into fur rugs.”

The laughter died instantly. Even Free straightened in his seat, all traces of mischief evaporating. Louis’s gaze swept over the group like a predator sizing up prey, ensuring they understood his seriousness.

“Rule one: Respect my wife, my employees, and my home, in that order. Stay out of the family wing unless explicitly invited. Got it?” A round of solemn nods followed. Respecting the boss’s wife was a non-negotiable code.

“Rule two: Get back into shape. No booze, no parties, no smoking and no silvervine. Nothing until you’re in top form. Whatever they fed you in prison clearly wasn’t enough, and I’m not having a gang of malnourished weaklings on my payroll.”

He eyed their ill-fitting suits with thinly veiled disdain; the sharp lines of their once-pristine tailoring were now sagging around their frames. Hino and Free, in particular, looked like shadows of their former selves.

“No alcohol? But boss— !” The group’s collective whine was so pitiful it bordered on comedic. Louis twitched an ear in irritation. If they wanted to take it easy they should’ve used the time in prison to stay in shape. Then again, helping carnivores get stronger would probably work against the prison guard’s own interests. He wouldn’t put it past the prison system to tailor nutrition towards keeping the inmates compliant and weakened. Louis faith in society’s inherent goodness had never been particularly developed but he found it to be nearly inexistent as of late.

“Rule three,” he continued, ignoring their protests, “you are now my personal security team. Until I bury your pasts for good, the name ‘Shishigumi’ is dead. No tough talk, no bragging, and especially no running your mouth to impress women, Free.”

A groan of despair met his pointed remark. Louis allowed himself a sly grin. “And finally, Free…” The feline perked up, his tail flicking curiously. “…find a proper hairdresser. If I see you without your pompadour by Sunday, you’ll be running laps until you collapse.”

“Yes, boss!” Free saluted, his earlier sulk forgotten. “Finally! You wouldn’t believe the buzzcut they tried to give me in there.”

As the limousine rolled to a stop, the men’s chatter fell silent. Eyes widened as they stepped out onto the pristine grounds of the Horns Estate, the sprawling manor standing proud against a backdrop of lush greenery. For a moment, they hesitated, awed and uncertain, until Louis spread his arms in an inviting gesture.

“Welcome home, boys. Don’t be shy now; it’s time to meet the lady of the house.”

A collective gulp rippled through the group as they shuffled forward, nerves overriding bravado. Louis’s grin widened. Yes, this meeting was going to be very entertaining indeed.

Chapter Text

Louis watched with some bemusement as Azuki critically mustered the eight lions standing in formation before her. To the Shishigumi’s credit, their manners were impeccable; each one bowed with precise synchronization at a ninety-degree angle. Even Free, normally the least inclined toward ceremony, managed to stand with an air of professionalism that was almost convincing.

“And you are to be my husband’s new security, yes?” Azuki’s tone was measured but betrayed faint skepticism.

“Yes, ma’am!” the lions chorused in unison, their voices reverberating through the manor’s grand foyer.

Louis resisted the urge to puff out his chest a little. Despite their rough origins and tumultuous recent history, the Shishigumi had retained some of the discipline he’d drilled into them during their time together. Still, as his eyes wandered over their mismatched suits and the vaguely malnourished look that prison life had stamped upon them, a pang of concern tempered his pride. The lions had a long way to go before they were back to their former strength.

Louis frowned slightly, his mind already leaping ahead to practicalities. He realized with a sinking feeling that he didn’t know any places where the Shishigumi might enjoy a proper night out. The Grand Roasting House, once a mainstay of the Black Market, was now nothing more than rubble following Yafya’s crackdown. Without the connections and clandestine resources the Black Market once provided, the Shishigumi’s effectiveness as both bodyguards and covert operatives was bound to suffer.

Azuki, meanwhile, paced slowly down the line, her sharp gaze lingering on each lion in turn. She frowned particularly at Free’s wild, unkempt hair and the general air of destitution that clung to the group like a shadow.

“I knew you were considering hiring carnivores,” she said, her tone edged with disapproval. “The purpose of your renovations in the manor was impossible to miss. Still, I would think you could find better. I don’t mean any offense to you gentlemen, but you don’t appear to be trained bodyguards or signed with any security company I know of.”

Azuki glanced at Louis, her eyebrows raised in a silent question. She avoided meeting the lions’ eyes directly, though they straightened at her words, doing their best to project confidence despite their threadbare appearances.

Louis cleared his throat, stepping forward. “They’re... unconventional,” he admitted, offering Azuki a sheepish smile. “But I’ve worked with them before. They’re loyal, resourceful, and excellent under pressure.”

Azuki’s frown deepened slightly, but she didn’t press further. She knew it wasn’t like Louis to make hasty decisions, and while she likely suspected there was more to the story than he was letting on, she usually trusted him enough to let the matter rest for now.

“Very well,” she said at last, though her tone suggested this was more of a temporary truce than a firm endorsement. “But I hope they can manage to blend in. The celebration of your ascension to the office of Beastar is coming up.”

“They’ll manage,” Louis assured her, though he silently resolved to expedite the lions’ preparations. Perhaps it would be best to have them sit this one out. Louis didn’t want to tempt fate and have some tabloid dig up dirt on the lions before he’d gotten everything in order.

He gestured for the Shishigumi to follow him as he led the group through the manor. The lions exchanged quiet glances, their relief palpable. Azuki’s approval might have been grudging, but it was enough to secure their place.

The guest wing of the manor had undergone a complete transformation, a fact that became evident as soon as Louis pushed open the double doors. Polished hardwood floors gleamed under the warm light of crystal chandeliers, and the air carried a faint, clean scent of pine.

“Whoa,” Free breathed, his wide eyes taking in the space. “This is... a bit different from the tower.”

The other lions nodded in agreement. The accommodations were a far cry from the cramped quarters of the Shishigumi Tower, their old hideout. Plush carpets, luxurious furniture, and state-of-the-art facilities filled the wing, making it feel more like a five-star hotel than a security barracks.

“This is where you’ll be staying,” Louis said, his tone casual. “There’s a gym through that door,” He pointed to a sleek, frosted-glass entrance, ”and I expect you to make good use of it. You’re all out of shape, and we’ve got a lot of work to do before next week.”

“Out of shape?” Agata scoffed, puffing out his chest. “Speak for yourself, boss. I’ve still got plenty of muscle.”

“You’ll need more than muscle if you’re going to protect me from half the people on the guest list,” Louis retorted, though his smirk took the sting out of the remark.

The lions explored the rooms with a mixture of awe and excitement. Hino, ever the reserved one, offered Louis a polite nod of gratitude. Free, by contrast, practically bounced from one room to the next, his exuberance drawing amused chuckles from the others. The lion flopped onto his bed with an exaggerated sigh of contentment, while Dolph wandered the room with quiet appreciation. Agata, meanwhile, couldn’t stop grinning as he examined every detail, from the plush carpets to the finely crafted furniture.

Once everyone had settled in, Louis gathered the group in the guest wing’s meeting room. The space was dominated by a long, polished table, but it was the painting hanging high on the wall that immediately caught the lions’ attention. For Louis, its contents always struck a chord of bittersweet nostalgia.

It was a portrait of Ibuki.

The painting depicted the lion in his prime: strong, confident, his gaze both commanding and kind. Louis had commissioned the piece from a talented local artist, supplying him with the only photograph he had of the lion along with his own recollections.

The Shishigumi, drawn by Louis’s silence, gathered around him.

“Boss,” Free murmured, his usual bravado replaced by a rare moment of reverence.

“He looks good,” Agata said finally, his voice thick with emotion.

“He’d have liked this,” Hino said, his tone resolute. “You honoring him like this.”

Louis met his gaze, his expression softening. “I hope so.”

A heavy silence fell over the room as the lions stared at the painting. Ibuki’s death was a wound that time had not yet healed. Free had pulled the trigger, but no one blamed him or Louis. Ibuki’s actions on that fateful night had left them all with impossible choices.

“I had it commissioned from memory,” Louis said quietly, breaking the silence. “And a blurry photo I had on my phone. Apologies if it’s not entirely accurate.”

“It’s perfect,” Hino said, his voice rough with emotion.

Louis hesitated, then added with a faint smile, “I left out the antler trophies on the wall in the background. Figured that might be... hard to explain to the artist.”

The joke drew a few weak chuckles from the group, breaking some of the tension.

“Bet the painter would’ve fainted if he knew who he was painting,” Agata said, grinning.

Louis allowed himself a small smile, though his gaze lingered on the portrait. Ibuki had been more than a lieutenant; he’d been a friend, a confidant. And though they all understood why things had unfolded the way they had, the loss still weighed heavily on them.

Clearing his throat, Louis straightened and shifted the conversation back to business. “We’ve got a lot to cover in the next few weeks. Training is priority one; you need to be sharp and ready for anything. Priority two: reconnecting with our old rivals, the Dokugumi and Inarigumi. They’ve lost ground too, and they’ll want allies. Hino, Dope, you’re in charge of reaching out. Set up a meeting if you can, arrange for communication if they’re still hesitant. Don’t mention Horns for the moment. Until we’ve re-established our rapport I don’t want them to realize who I am.”

The lions nodded, their focus returning to the present as Louis laid out his plans for the coming weeks. Louis outlined their immediate priorities: firearms training, rebuilding their physical strength, and establishing connections with the other gumi. The latter task, in particular, would require careful negotiation, a challenge the Shishigumi were willing to tackle head-on.

He also told them about making a deal with the Black Devil and Louis had been touched by their outrage on his behalf. Still, it had gotten him what he wanted, so he worked to calm their righteous anger at the stallion even as he was secretly gladdened to know they were worried for his safety.

In moments like these Louis was profoundly grateful towards both of the men who had shaped him into who he was today. As his eyes strayed back up to Ibuki’s painting, he knew the lion would probably scold him quite severely for overworking himself.

Well, there was no helping it. At least his debut as Beastars would mean a relatively relaxing evening in the near future.

The night of the debut ball had arrived, and Louis stood near the grand staircase of his manor, dressed in a sharp black suit. The mingling hum of conversation, punctuated by bursts of polite laughter, filled the expansive ballroom. Guests swirled around the space in elegant evening attire, champagne glasses in hand. The chandeliers overhead cast a warm, golden light that gleamed off polished marble floors and gilded fixtures.

Azuki was in her element, moving effortlessly from group to group. Her emerald-green gown shimmered as she spoke, a vision of charm and poise. Every guest she greeted seemed captivated, leaning in to listen with rapt attention.

Louis, by contrast, preferred the periphery of the gathering, sipping sparingly at his drink while exchanging brief pleasantries with a handful of business acquaintances. He’d always found these events somewhat tedious, but tonight’s ball carried added significance. It marked not just his and Legosi’s induction as Beastars but also their formal debut as a team; a partnership carefully chosen by the former Sublime Beastar Yafya himself.

Legosi was faring much better. The wolf’s friendly charm had endeared him to everyone he spoke to, his naivety mistaken for earnestness. Louis, on the other hand, was all too aware of the sycophants lurking among the guests. As a CEO, he’d grown adept at spotting their type.

“Congratulations, Louis.”

The voice belonged to a portly llama in a tailored navy suit. An executive from one of Horns’ subsidiaries, Louis recalled, though his name escaped him. The man offered a jovial smile, his hand extended.

“Thank you,” Louis replied, shaking his hand with practiced politeness.

“Mr. Legosi seems like an excellent match for you,” the man continued. “Quite the capable young man, though I hear he’s a bit... naïve?”

Louis resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he offered a noncommittal nod, his gaze flicking to where Legosi stood a few feet away.

Legosi, ever the picture of earnestness, was surrounded by a small group of admirers. His scarred face was flushed, either from the wine or the unrelenting attention. He listened to the guests with genuine interest, occasionally breaking into his signature bright smile.

He still remembered to keep his teeth covered, so he clearly wasn’t too drunk.

Louis couldn’t help but feel a mix of fondness and exasperation for his partner. Legosi was undoubtedly talented, a skilled fighter and a quick thinker under pressure, but his trusting nature made him vulnerable. Yafya’s warning rang in Louis’s mind: Keep an eye on him. He’s too trusting for his own good.

“Louis, over here!” Legosi called out, waving enthusiastically.

Suppressing a sigh, Louis crossed the room to join him.

“Louis, meet Grace,” Legosi said, gesturing to a woman standing to his right.

Grace was striking, her presence commanding attention even in the crowded room. The dove wore an impeccable white evening gown that hinted at understated luxury, a perfect fit for her reputation as one of the senior partners of Samson, Stanford & Grace. Her pale blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and just a hint of mischief.

“Louis,” she said, her voice smooth and cultured. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”

“The pleasure’s mine, Grace,” Louis replied evenly. He resented the pretense, but Grace had more than earned his gratitude, no matter how much it grated on him.

Grace’s smile widened, though her eyes seemed to assess him with razor-sharp precision. Louis felt a twinge of unease, aware of the duality beneath her polished exterior. Grace had been instrumental in the legal maneuvering that secured the Shishigumi’s release; a favor she’d offered with surprising swiftness. While her public image as a champion of charity cases was pristine, Louis knew her involvement in the underworld was far more intricate than most would suspect. Still, his father was an excellent judge of character. Oguma would not have chosen her as a confidant if she was untrustworthy.

“You’ve certainly had an eventful few months,” Grace continued. “Rising from CEO to Beastar in such a short time; it’s quite the leap. I imagine Legosi must be relieved to have such an experienced partner.”

Legosi beamed, clearly taking the remark as high praise. Louis, however, caught the subtle layer beneath her words: a reminder of Legosi’s vulnerability and the weight of responsibility on Louis’s shoulders.

“I’m lucky to have him as a partner,” Louis replied smoothly.

Their conversation was interrupted by Azuki’s arrival. She approached with her usual grace, her green gown sweeping lightly against the floor. Legosi was absently trailing behind her, his group of hanger-ons curiously absent for once. The doe’s smile, though warm, carried a glint of curiosity as her gaze flicked between Louis, Legosi, and Grace. “I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation. Louis, could I have a moment of your time?”

“Oh, I think I’ve finally spotted Samson, thank you again for the invite Azuki.” Grace easily bowed out of the conversation, gliding away to rejoin the throng of guests flowing in and out of the grand hall.

“Louis,” she said, touching his arm lightly. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

She gestured toward a tall, charismatic wolf standing nearby, a familiar face that sent a jolt of recognition through Louis.

Miyagi, dressed in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, exuded effortless charm. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his smile was the kind that disarmed even the most skeptical observer. Though his easy smile now turned a little rigid as his eyes turned to focus on the deer. Louis’s heart sank.

“This is Miyagi,” Azuki said with a touch of pride. “One of our studio’s finest talents. He’s been nominated for Best Actor this year.”

Louis managed a cordial smile, though his mind raced. Miyagi, stood mere feet away, his composure a mirror of Louis’s own.

“A pleasure,” Miyagi said, extending a hand.

Louis shook it, the brief contact feeling far more charged than it should have. He could feel the wolf's claws, once again filed down, brush through his fur. “Likewise,” he said, his voice steady but carefully void of emotion.

Azuki’s eyes flicked between them, her smile deepening ever so slightly even as her confusion was evident. “Do you two already know each other?”

“No,” Louis replied too quickly, his denial sharp and instinctive.

Legosi, standing beside him, tilted his head in confusion. “But I saw you two at Café Champion a few weeks ago, didn’t I?”

Louis’s stomach dropped.

Miyagi’s smile faltered for the briefest of moments before he recovered, offering a polite chuckle. “A single business meeting hardly counts as knowing each other, does it?” he said smoothly, though his gaze briefly darted to Louis.

Azuki, for her part, seemed thoroughly entertained. “Interesting,” she murmured, her tone light but laden with implication.

Sensing the rising tension, Azuki swiftly shifted the focus to Legosi. “Legosi, didn’t you mention earlier that Haru was coming to visit soon? How are things going between the two of you?”

Legosi’s face lit up at the mention of his girlfriend, and he launched eagerly into a description of Haru’s latest botanical exploits. Azuki listened intently, subtly keeping Legosi engaged while allowing Louis and Miyagi the opportunity to slip away.

Louis and Miyagi retreated to the garden, the cool night air a welcome reprieve from the stifling atmosphere inside. They walked in silence for a few moments, the tension between them palpable.

“Well,” Miyagi said at last, his tone dry. “That went well.”

Louis shot him a look, though the corner of his mouth twitched despite himself. “It could’ve been worse.”

Miyagi raised an eyebrow. “Your wife knows, doesn’t she?”

“She does,” Louis admitted, running a hand through his hair. “But she doesn’t know it’s you. At least, I don’t think she does. I’ll tell her later.” The deer paused for a second before turning to the wolf. “Also, you’re an actor?”

“Yes, and I’d say I’m a rather decent one too. I was a little miffed you didn’t recognize me when you took my mask off the first time. Though, to be honest, it was very flattering that you were attracted to me rather than my name or reputation. Speaking of reputation…” Miyagi sighed, leaning against the stone bench they found themselves on. “I’m starting to wonder if I should’ve stayed home tonight. I’m sorry if I caused you trouble with this. If I had known that you’re Louis, CEO of Horns I would’ve warned you in advance.”

“It’s just… I don’t generally mingle with businessmen who aren’t investors in one of my movies.” The wolf looked contrite, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.

Louis didn’t reply immediately, his gaze fixed on the distant lights of the city. The ball was supposed to be a celebration, a symbol of his and Legosi’s new roles, but now it felt more like a high-stakes chess match where every move carried potential consequences.

“Thank you,” Louis said finally.

Miyagi glanced at him, surprised. “For what?”

“For keeping calm,” Louis said. “And for not making this harder than it already is.”

Miyagi’s smile returned, softer this time. “What can I say? I’m a professional.” Suddenly, wolf’s smile slipped into a toothy grin as he leaned closer to the deer.

“How about I take your mind off things for a moment?”

“Are you literally insa— hmmmmrrph!” Whatever protest Louis was going to voice fizzled out along with his train of thought as Miyagi crushed their lips together. Louis shuddered in the cool evening air, his body heating up in response to wolf’s wandering hands.

As they separated, Miyagi gave flirty smile full of teeth as he nuzzled against the deer’s throat. “Don’t worry; I know what I’m doing. I won’t rumple your clothes and we’ll be back inside in a couple minutes.”

Louis, already cursing his weakness, just leaned in for another kiss.

Meanwhile, in the guest wing of the manor, the Shishigumi had been busy. Since their arrival at their boss's estate, they had thrown themselves into Louis’s carefully laid plans with surprising enthusiasm. The newly equipped gym had become their second home, the state-of-the-art machines and training tools a far cry from the crude setups they’d once cobbled together at Shishigumi Tower.

“Alright, Free, focus!” Hino barked as Free attempted to bench press an ambitious weight. “You want to impress the boss or throw your back out?”

Free grinned through gritted teeth, his muscles straining. “Relax, Hino. I’ve got this.”

Nearby, Agata sparred with another lion, their movements quick and precise as they exchanged blows in controlled bursts. The room was filled with the sounds of clashing claws, rhythmic grunts, and the faint hum of machinery.

Despite the discipline they displayed in the gym, the Shishigumi hadn’t entirely shed their more chaotic tendencies. The occasional prank or sarcastic remark kept the atmosphere light, and their camaraderie was stronger than ever.

Free set down the weight and frowned at the door leading out of the guest wing. “Though I still don’t understand why we aren’t out there and guarding the boss right now. Also, we’re missing out on all the good grub!”

Hino would’ve smacked him if he wasn’t busy cleaning away the gear for the night. “Oh yes, great idea. I’m sure there are no journalists present and no-one would question why the boss hired us immediately after we got out of prison. For Rex’s sake Free, we need to keep our heads down for now. We'll get back into shape and take care of the business with the Dokugumi and Inarigumi first. Once everyone is focused on the new Beastars we can show our faces in public again.”

The other lions nodded along in agreement while Free slumped on the bench and groaned in annoyance.

“I love the stuff the boss arranged for us as much as the next lion but being cooped up in here is driving me nuts,” the lion sighed dramatically as he got ready to head for the showers. “I don’t deal well with cages, golden or not.”

Still, Free figured he’d get out sooner or later. The meeting with the other gumi was coming up soon after all. “Whatever. It’s all fine with me as long as the boss is having a good time.”

Tensions simmered beneath the surface as Louis and Miyagi returned from the garden. Azuki had seamlessly resumed her role as hostess, her interactions with the guests smooth and effortless. Curiously enough, Legosi wasn’t still chatting with a group of admirers, blissfully unaware of the undercurrents swirling around him. In fact, the wolf seemed to be entirely absent.

Grace, however, had not missed the brief absence of Louis and Miyagi. She approached Louis with a glass of champagne, her expression unreadable.

“You’ve been busy,” she remarked, her tone light but pointed.

Louis accepted the glass, meeting her gaze. “It’s been an eventful evening.”

Grace tilted her head slightly, her smile enigmatic. “Indeed. But you’ve always been good at balancing multiple priorities, haven’t you?”

The double meaning in her words wasn’t lost on Louis, but before he could respond, Azuki appeared at his side.

“Grace,” Azuki said warmly. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Immensely,” Grace replied, her gaze lingering on Louis for a moment before she turned her attention to Azuki. “You’ve outdone yourself, as always.”

Azuki chuckled. “Well, I do try. But if you’ll excuse me, I need to borrow my husband for a moment.”

She took Louis’s arm, guiding him away from the crowd. Once they were out of earshot, she leaned in slightly.

“You’ve been quiet tonight,” she said softly.

Louis sighed, his composure faltering for a moment. “It’s been a lot to juggle.”

Azuki studied him, her sharp intuition cutting through his carefully constructed façade. “Miyagi?” she guessed, her tone neutral.

Louis stiffened, but her hand on his arm was reassuring.

“Relax,” she said. “I’m not here to lecture you. Just... be careful. These things have a way of spiraling if you’re not.” Her tone turned mischievous as her smile returned. “Though, to be perfectly honest, I can’t fault your choice. You have excellent taste.”

Rex above, save him from nosy women. At last, Azuki took pity on him and returned to the party, though not before making a parting remark. “By the way, you might want to check up on Legosi tomorrow. He left a few minutes ago and looked like the devil himself had lit his tail on fire. It’s a little rude, but I made up a story about an emergency call from Yafya.”

Louis rolled his eyes as he turned to grab another glass of wine from a passing waiter. It’s likely someone finally managed to fluster the wolf and he’d beaten a hasty retreat. As the ball wound down, Louis found himself reflecting on the road ahead. The Shishigumi were adapting to their new roles, and the groundwork for his and Legosi’s partnership had been laid. But the challenges looming on the horizon were undeniable, and the choices he’d made, both past and present, would continue to shape the course of his path forward.

For now, though, he allowed himself a rare moment of stillness, standing on the balcony and gazing out over the city. The lights below flickered like stars.

The stag’s eyes hardened. Somewhere out there were the killers they were chasing. With his status now official, catching them was vital and would serve to firmly entrench himself and Legosi in their positions.

It was only a matter of time.

Legosi had made his way back to his and Haru’s apartment in record time. The rabbit was currently out for a night of revelry with the rest of her graduating class, celebrating the impending end of their careers as students.

The wolf lay in bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting warm light over the cool, pale walls of their apartment even as he gave a small whine of distress. His head still hummed faintly from the wine and the noise of the party, though the stillness of the room pressed heavily against him now. He replayed the evening over and over, trying to shake the scene that had sent him fleeing into the night. It was supposed to be a celebration, an exuberant acknowledgment of their recent ascension as Beastars of the Ministry of Beast Harmony, a title they’d both done a lot to earn. For a while, it was better than he’d dared to hope: toasts were raised, laughter swirled, and Louis, his ever-confident and charismatic friend, seemed genuinely happy to have him there.

Then came the moment he couldn't forget. Seeking a momentary escape from the crush of people, Legosi had wandered to the balcony of Louis’s stately home. It had been deepest night outside, the moon shadowed by clouds. Still, it hadn’t been dark enough to impede his canine night vision. He remembered the moment he'd frozen in horror as he stumbled upon Louis straddling Miyagi, their bodies entwined as if nothing else in the world mattered. Legosi couldn't recall ever seeing Louis look so raw and passionate. The wolf had stood frozen on the balcony, torn between embarrassment, guilt, and something else he couldn’t name. His first thought was of Azuki, the deer’s wife who clearly adored him. How could he reconcile what he’d seen with the stag he thought he knew?

Worse, even as he fought the shock and subsequent panic, Legosi couldn’t help but wonder: why had it stirred something in him?

As the clock neared midnight, a slightly disheveled stallion took another big gulp of his latest cup of coffee.

“Finally got you, you bastards.” He whispered to the empty office, his face only illuminated by the soft glow of the PC monitor.

Below the information was a picture of a tigress on her knees, furiously snarling at a horse pointing a knife in her direction.

Yafya finished his coffee, crumpled the cup and grinned in triumph.

Chapter Text

Yafya shifted his weight against the driver’s door of the unmarked police car. The dusky light of late afternoon filtered through the narrow alleyway, causing his coal-black fur to gleam faintly under its soft glow. The stallion’s sharp eyes scanned the café, Ma Cherié, a small establishment squeezed between a corner bookstore and a tailor shop. Ma Cherié was renowned for its pastries and strong coffee, and it was Yumi’s place of work. That much they had learned from the database’s information and an officer’s surveillance the previous day.

The tigress had been elusive, vanishing for days after the deadly altercation in the park according to her co-workers. Today, she’d return for her shift. Yafya could feel it in his gut, the same gut instinct that had steered him through decades of work as Sublime Beastar and earned him both accolades and infamy.

“Yafya, you think she knows we’re here?” Legosi’s hushed voice pulled Yafya out of his thoughts. The grey wolf leaned against the van beside him, attempting to seem relaxed to any passing shoppers going about their day; his usual nervous demeanor was for once absent. It belied the strength and skill Yafya had seen him demonstrate in their training sessions.

Legosi was a solid fighter and displayed great resolve once he made up his mind; they were some of the original qualities that had drawn Yafya’s attention in the first place. Unfortunately he was also a little too eager to please, especially with his odd moods lately.

Yafya knew that Legosi had always been focused on Louis, but recently Legosi had walked on eggshells around the confused and increasingly frustrated deer. It had the stag throwing up his hands in annoyance and left the horse confused.

At least they worked well together. Yafya really didn’t care about whatever neurosis caused the wolf’s recent behavior as long as it didn’t impact their performance.

“Doubt it,” Yafya replied. “She’s been too careful. But we’re not taking chances. Stay sharp.”

Inside the car, Louis sat cross-legged, meticulously checking his recently acquired service pistol. The deer’s antlers gleamed like polished wood, and his sharp gaze mirrored Yafya’s intensity.

Louis didn’t look up. “I’ll head in first. Herbivore to carnivore, she won’t peg me as a threat.”

Yafya nodded. “Don’t get cocky. She might be dangerous, at least if her company at the park is any indication. Keep it simple, order something, talk casually. Try to make her drop her guard. I’ll get close and cut off her escape if you can keep her distracted. If she realizes something is wrong, she’ll probably bolt. Legosi will cover the back of the building just in case.”

Louis smirked as he holstered his weapon. “Got it.”

Legosi gave his partner a good-natured grin. “Just don’t order donuts. That’s a dead giveaway you’re working undercover.”

The deer rolled his eyes as he opened the door. “Very funny.”

The café was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and the scent of baked goods in the air. Louis stepped inside, his ears twitching as he took in the small crowd of patrons. A couple of hares at a corner table sipped from oversized mugs while a goat perused a menu near the counter. Behind the counter, a tigress moved with practiced grace. Her orange and black fur was sleek, her green eyes sharp.

Louis kept his movements casual as he approached the counter. “Coffee, black. And one of those danishes.”

Yumi glanced at him, her expression neutral. If she was surprised to be approached over her co-workers, she didn’t show it. “Coming right up.”

As she turned to prepare his order, Louis scanned the room. No signs of danger, though his instincts told him Yumi was tense. She moved too quickly, too precisely, for someone merely serving pastries.

A bell jingled softly as Yafya entered the café. Despite his efforts to appear inconspicuous, his towering presence and reputation preceded him. Yumi froze mid-motion, her green eyes locking on Yafya. Recognition flared.

Before Yafya could even announce himself, Yumi moved.

She spun away from the counter, sending a tray of drinks crashing to the floor. Patrons screamed as she pushed through them, her strength scattering tables and chairs. Louis lunged to block her path, but she sidestepped with alarming speed, leaving the deer to scramble in her wake.

“Yumi!” Yafya barked, his deep voice cutting through the chaos. “Stop!”

The tigress didn’t stop. She bolted through the swinging kitchen door, narrowly avoiding Yafya’s outstretched hand.

“Legosi!” Yafya shouted into his comms as he followed. “She’s coming your way!”

The back door of Ma Cherié slammed open, and Yumi burst into the narrow alley. Legosi was waiting, his broad frame blocking her path. His ears perked up, and his stance widened instinctively, preparing for her charge.

“Please stop,” Legosi said, his voice calm but firm. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

Yumi slowed for a moment, her chest heaving, her eyes darting for an escape route. Then she lunged.

Legosi braced himself, catching her mid-air. The impact nearly sent him tumbling to the pavement, but he held his ground, grappling with the tigress. Her claws raked his arms, but he barely managed to lock her in a bear hug. In the split second before the tigress made a grab for his throat, Legosi was surprised to note how muscular the feline was beneath the airy blouse she wore.

Louis arrived seconds later, diving into the fray. Together, the deer and the wolf struggled to subdue the tigress, but her strength was unnatural. She moved with the ferocity of a cornered predator, her claws and teeth striking out with precision.

Legosi grew tense and bared his teeth when the smell of deer blood hit the air. As a ferocious growl burst forth, the sight of the enraged canine caused the tigress to hesitate for a precious split second.

A moment Yafya capitalized on. The stallion appeared behind them, his presence looming as he drew his stun baton. “Enough!” he roared, swinging the weapon with calculated force. The baton’s crackling electricity connected with Yumi’s shoulder, sending a jolt through her body.

She screamed but, to Yafya’s surprise, didn’t collapse. Instead, she lashed out again, catching Louis with a blow that sent the deer crashing into the nearest brick wall.

Legosi snarled, his fangs bared as he redoubled his efforts. “Stay down, damn it!”

Finally, with a coordinated effort, the three managed to pin the desperate tigress to the ground. Yafya cuffed her wrists with practiced efficiency, ignoring the curious looks and hushed murmurs of various onlookers who had gathered at the alley’s edge.

As some of the observers started getting out their phones, the team hurriedly escorted the dazed tigress to a waiting unmarked police van. They drove off the very second the stallion closed the door, leaving the now sizable crowd of no doubt confused citizens behind.

The ride back to the precinct was tense. Yumi sat cuffed and silent in the back of the van, her green eyes fixed on the floor. Yafya sat across from her, his gaze unrelenting. Legosi and Louis, nursing scratches and bruises, exchanged glances but said nothing.

“She’s not normal,” Louis muttered under his breath. “I’ve dealt with carnivores before, but this...”

Legosi nodded, his ears flattening. “She fought like she was possessed.”

Yafya remained silent, his mind racing. He had suspected Yumi might be strong, but this was beyond what he had anticipated. They might have to realign their expectations a little; perhaps they were not dealing with regular citizens after all.

The holding cells in the Central Cherryton Police Department were cold and stark; their walls painted a dull gray that seemed designed to drain hope. Yumi sat on the metal bench bolted to the floor, her hands resting in her lap. She stared at the opposite wall, her green eyes sharp and unyielding, though her tail was flicking in sharp, irritated motions against the metal bars. Her eyes snapped to them as they entered, tracking their every move and narrowing slightly as they landed on Yafya.

She had said nothing since her arrest, either to them or the investigators. According to the officer in charge, she hadn’t even asked for an attorney or to make a call.

When Yafya, Legosi, and Louis entered, her body visibly tensed, like a spring waiting to release. Her jaw was clenched tight, but her tail betrayed her growing frustration, swishing faster and faster like a whip.

The tension in the room was immediate and suffocating.

Louis stepped forward first. The deer carried himself with the poised air of someone who had dealt with angry people before, though his earnest expression softened his otherwise businesslike demeanor. “Yumi,” he began, his tone neutral, “we know you’re upset. But we need to ask you some questions about what happened in the park. We’re here to help you.”

Her ears twitched, but her lips stayed sealed.

Louis pressed on, undeterred. “We’ve reviewed the footage; we saw the horse pull a knife on you. It’s clear you acted in self-defense. What we don’t understand is the role of the Merino sheep. If you cooperate, we can— “

“Shove your cooperation,” Yumi spat, breaking her silence for the first time. Her voice was low and venomous, her green eyes narrowing. “You don’t give a shit and you’re not interested in helping anyone but yourself Mr. Beastar.”

Legosi stepped forward this time, his tone measured and calm. “That’s not true. We want to make sure people like that sheep are held accountable. You’ve seen what he’s capable of, killing those two herbivores without hesitation. He— “

Yumi’s laughter cut him off, harsh and bitter. She laughed long enough that Legosi exchanged a wary glance with Louis. Then she stopped abruptly, her expression hardening into one of cold fury.

“Held accountable? People like him?” she snarled, her claws unsheathing as she leaned forward. “Are you even listening to yourselves? You think I’m going to trust you? The Black Devil’s lickspittles preaching justice sounds about as sincere as a politician’s campaign promises. Does that even work on anyone but defanged lapdogs like that one?” She indicated the wolf with a venomous glare and a sardonic snarl in his direction.

Legosi stiffened at the barb, but Yafya stepped forward before he could respond. His presence, as always, was commanding, his voice low and steady. “Yumi, we have you for obstruction and fleeing arrest. That’s enough to make you an accessory to murder unless you start talking.”

Her eyes snapped to his, blazing with rage. “Accessory?” she repeated, her voice rising. “You’re reaching, Devil. Even with your methods you won’t find a judge gullible enough to convict me for anything. Not after that bullshit you pulled at the northern precinct.” She bared her teeth in a gloating smile.

“You wouldn’t want to embarrass our oh-so-impartial justice system again, would you?”

Louis winced internally. She was right. The evidence against her was thin at best and with the political climate being what it was, every judge in Cherryton would zero in on any discrepancies. The Merino sheep’s actions couldn’t have been premeditated, and Yumi’s own actions barely qualified as criminal. Still, the deer pressed on, his voice calm and unyielding.

“You’re protecting someone who’s dangerous,” Louis said. “And you’re lying to yourself if you think no one else was hurt. Have you thought about the families of those two dead animals?”

“You want to talk about families?” Yumi repeated with a cold laugh. “You destroyed the Black Market, my home, my livelihood. I— my family built a spice and tea shop there decades ago, and you tore it all down like it was nothing. Do you have any idea how much work went into that place? How many lives you ruined so you could play pretend some more?”

Yumi’s tail lashed behind her as her gaze flicked to Yafya, then back to Louis. “I know exactly what happened,” she said, her tone sharper now. “And I know that I’d still be at my shop, my home, if it weren’t for him.” She pointed a clawed finger at Yafya.

“Your shop was part of an illegal network,” Yafya said evenly, though his eyes burned with intensity. “It was destroyed because it was a hub of crime and violence. You want to blame someone? Blame the people who ran it like a war zone.”

Yumi let out a bitter laugh, her voice rising and taking on an edge of hysteria. “A war zone? You mean a place where people like me could actually survive? Do you have the faintest notion of what you did? The Black Market wasn’t just a place: it was our only lifeline! I had next to nothing after your demolition teams were done with the place, and that was still a lot more than other people were left with!”

“You were part of a system that preyed on others,” Yafya said, his tone unyielding.

The tiger’s eyes glinted dangerously and for a moment Louis thought she might lunge at them through the bars. “One that you bunch of hypocritical grass munchers happily participated in, I might add. As much as you like to glare your noses down at the oh-so-savage carnivores, you still came slinking into the market for your gambling, whoring and illegal medicines.”

“But why talk about the big picture when I have you here?” Yumi snarled, her claws flexing at her sides. “The great Black Devil. Do you think I don’t know about you? I doubt there is a single carnivore left alive in all of Cherryton who doesn’t know your name. How many carnivores have you killed in your crusade for ‘justice’? Your body count is higher than that of any gang the market has ever seen, and I bet that isn’t the only skeleton in your closet.”

Louis’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the venom in her words. He glanced at Yafya, whose expression didn’t waver.

“I did what needed to be done,” Yafya said firmly. “I didn’t target anyone who wasn’t a threat.”

“That’s a lie,” Yumi hissed. “You didn’t care who got caught in the crossfire. You obviously still don’t. And now you want me to help you? To trust you? You’re deluded.”

Legosi took a tentative step forward, his ears low but his posture steady. “We’re not your enemies,” he said, his voice calm and measured. “We just want to find the person who did this, the one who killed those men in the park. If you didn’t have anything to do with that— “

“Don’t you dare,” she snapped, rounding on him. “You’re a carnivore, just like me. You know what the Black Market was. Do you want to know what I see when I look at you? The way you hunch your shoulders to look small and non-threatening, with your filed-down claws and carefully covered teeth? You’re a joke, nothing but a pet for those herbivores holding your leash. You disgust me, you pathetic excuse for a wolf.”

Legosi flinched, his ears flattening as her words struck at old insecurities. Louis, seeing the wolf falter, stepped in.

“Look,” Louis said, keeping his voice level, “we’re not here to rehash the past. We need to focus on the present. Help us find the Merino sheep.”

“Find him yourself,” Yumi growled. Her claws scraped against the metal bench as she leaned back, her fury unabated. “I’ve got nothing more to say to any of you.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. Yafya stared at Yumi for a long moment, his eyes unreadable, before turning on his heel.

“We’re done here,” he said curtly. “For now.”

The trio exited the holding area, the sounds of the precinct a jarring contrast to the suffocating quiet they’d left behind. Yafya’s expression was unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders spoke volumes.

“That’s not just defiance,” Legosi said after a moment, his voice low. “She hates you. Herbivores, I mean. Did you hear the way she talked about you? Like you’re the enemy.”

Louis looked uncomfortable, his gait faltering slightly. He thought of the Shishigumi back at his estate, of his former classmates and the people he’d met in the Black Market. “It’s not just her. I’ve heard it before. Carnivores feel like they’re being boxed in, treated like they’re all dangerous and need to bow and scrape to every herbivore they meet. It’s an exhausting way to life.”

“That’s not what this is about,” Legosi said, though his voice carried a note of doubt. “This is about keeping people safe.”

“Try telling them that,” Louis muttered. “Though I’m surprised by how openly aggressive she was about it. From the footage we’ve seen I thought she was very fond of that Merino sheep.” Louis felt vaguely uncomfortable at the memory. “Why would someone who loathes herbivores that much even want to... hm.”

Outside the holding area, the precinct buzzed with activity. Officers moved between desks, phones rang incessantly, and the faint hum of a copy machine underscored the chaos. Yafya, Legosi, and Louis gathered near a coffee station, each lost in thought.

“That could’ve gone better,” Legosi muttered hesitantly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“She’s angry,” Louis said, his tone subdued. “And I can see where she’s coming from.”

Yafya’s eyes narrowed. “That doesn’t excuse what she’s doing now; she’s protecting a literal murderer. Angry and fallen on hard times or not, we can’t let people think that tearing someone’s throat out is acceptable behavior.” Before they could continue, a familiar voice called out. “Well, well. Yafya.”

The trio turned to see a massive Saint Bernard approaching. Darth, now ministerial secretary, cut an imposing figure in his neatly pressed suit. Despite his formal attire, the dog’s warm smile and wagging tail softened his intimidating presence.

“Darth,” Yafya said, his ears perking up. “What brings you back to the precinct? I thought your promotion meant you’d be at the Ministry of Beast Harmony.”

Darth chuckled. “So did I. But the minister of justice is concerned about the rising crime rate and social unrest. They sent me to offer assistance.”

Louis and Legosi straightened as Yafya introduced them. Darth nodded approvingly. “Good to meet you both. If Yafya trusts you, I’m sure you’re capable.”

Legosi’s tail wagged slightly at the compliment, while Louis offered a polite nod.

“We need all the help we can get,” Yafya admitted. “The tiger’s not talking, and we still don’t have a lead on the Merino sheep.”

Darth frowned. “Then we’ll divide and conquer. I’ll coordinate with the precinct and deploy resources. Yafya, you’ve still got your 500 Cornered Rats?”

Yafya nodded. “They’re ready to move. We’ll dig into Yumi’s background and find out everything about her. Someone must’ve seen those two together.”

Meanwhile, across town, two lions sat in a dimly lit backroom of a bar near the docks. Hino and Dope sat casually, hands resting on a scarred wooden table, but their sharp eyes never left the two figures seated across from them: Ten, the cunning leader of the Inarigumi, and Savon, the calculating head of the Dokugumi.

The atmosphere was tense. Ten’s bushy tail flicked impatiently, and Savon’s forked tongue flickered as he studied the lions with suspicion.

“You’ve got some nerve coming here,” Ten said, her voice smooth but edged with steel. “After everything.”

Savon nodded. “I’m surprised the Shishigumi still dare to show their faces after your fall from grace. You expect us to trust you? That damn hybrid you allowed to run your group brought Yafya down on our collective heads.”

Hino smiled faintly. “We’re not here to relive the past. We’re here to build the future.”

Dope leaned forward, his tone calm but firm. “We know you’ve struggled since the Black Market was destroyed. Your operations, gambling, meat smuggling, companionship, they’ve suffered. You’ve been keeping things afloat with the Madaragumi’s funds, but that’s not sustainable, is it.”

Ten’s eyes narrowed. “And how do you know so much about our finances?”

Dope didn’t answer directly. Instead, he said, “People talk and we want to help. Our previous boss pulled us out of prison. He wants to rebuild what we lost, and he wants to include you.”

Savon’s golden eyes gleamed with interest. “Your previous boss?” he repeated, his voice a low rumble. “That deer who disappeared before the market fell?”

Hino gave a subtle nod to Dope, careful not to say Louis’s name aloud. “You remember him.”

Ten and Savon exchanged a glance. The fox’s ears twitched, and the komodo dragon’s tail swished thoughtfully.

“We remember him,” Ten said finally. “He wasn’t like that freak you saddled us with or that old flea-bitten lion before him. He had... vision. The market was as stable as I’ve ever seen it with him around.”

“And he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty,” Savon added. “If he’s behind this and wants to lend a hand, we’ll listen. But no promises. We’ll stay in touch until you have a concrete offer.”

“Fair enough,” Hino said, standing. “This is just the beginning.”

As the lions left the bar, the beginnings of a plan took shape in their minds. They would return to Louis’s estate and report their progress.

It was a promising start, though they probably couldn’t keep either gang in the dark about Louis’s identity for much longer.

The day was overcast as Yafya, Louis, and Legosi walked briskly through the side entrance of the precinct. The black horse led the way, his jaw clenched so tightly it seemed his teeth might crack. Louis followed close behind, his polished shoes clicking against the linoleum as his brows furrowed in a perpetual scowl. Legosi trailed slightly, glancing between his two companions with a nervous wag of his tail that stilled as he sensed the tension radiating from Yafya.

Her name wasn’t Yumi. Her entire identity was fake. They’d checked.

The revelation that Yumi’s identity was a forgery had thrown a wrench into everything. They’d spent days combing through her records, trying to find connections that could lead them to the Merino sheep, only to find that none of it was real. Her family history, her supposed school, every detail fell apart under scrutiny. She’d lied to the police investigators about who she was, stonewalling them at every turn, and now they couldn’t even figure out where to start looking for her partner because everything about her was a lie.

Yafya hadn’t said much since they received the news, but the way his ears flicked and his feet struck the ground like hammer blows betrayed his simmering fury.

“How in the world did she even get all of that false information into the official database,” Louis muttered, breaking the silence as they approached the precinct. His tone was harsh, though a trace of frustration with himself colored it. “She lied about everything.”

“Of course she did,” Yafya snapped without looking back. “And we should have caught it sooner.”

Louis bristled at the sharpness in Yafya’s tone but kept his thoughts to himself. He stole a glance at Legosi, who had stayed quiet, his head slightly lowered as if he didn’t want to draw attention to himself.

“You did good catching the discrepancy,” Louis said after a beat, his voice more tempered. “It’s not like this stuff is easy to spot.”

Legosi’s ears perked slightly at the compliment, and a faint wag of his tail returned. “Thanks, Louis. It just... didn’t add up, you know? She talked about her family running that shop for generations, but the records she gave her employer said she wasn’t even born here.”

Yafya cut in, his voice cold and unyielding. “We don’t have time for back-patting. I want answers, and I want them now.”

They entered the main hall of the precinct, the usual din of activity greeting them: the ring of phones, the hum of conversation, the shuffle of papers and clicking of keyboards. The air was thick with urgency, as it always seemed to be these days, but the trio moved with singular purpose.

Yafya didn’t say a word as they walked, his mind elsewhere. They rounded a corner and approached the front desk, where a rhinoceros officer was sorting through paperwork. He looked up as they approached, his expression shifting to one of polite confusion.

“Specialist Yafya,” the rhino said, nodding respectfully. “Beastars Louis and Legosi. What can I do for you?”

“We’re here to see the tigress in holding,” Yafya said curtly.

The rhinoceros blinked, his brow furrowing. “The tigress? But you already took her.”

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.

“What are you talking about?” Yafya asked, his voice low and dangerous.

“You were here yesterday evening, said you were transferring her to the southern precinct for interrogation.” the rhino said slowly, glancing between them in confusion.

“You signed her out yourself.”

Chapter Text

The surveillance room of the precinct was dimly lit, the soft hum of the monitors filling the silence as Louis, Yafya, and Legosi stared at the screen. The recording from the previous evening played back in crisp detail. The figure on the screen moved with Yafya’s characteristic precision: a black stallion in an impeccably pressed suit, every detail from his tie knot to the tilt of his ears unmistakably him. Even Yafya’s sharp gaze couldn’t find a flaw.

The only problem was that Yafya had not been there.

Louis’s chest tightened as he watched the doppelgänger lead Yumi out of her cell. The tigress looked wary but didn’t resist. The imposter carried a clipboard, signed off the transfer, and escorted her out of the precinct with a calm efficiency that mirrored Yafya’s own. The video ended as the two disappeared into the night.

“It’s uncanny,” muttered Legosi, his grey fur ruffling as he leaned closer to the screen. His golden eyes darted between the paused image and the real Yafya standing beside him. “Even the gait… how does he do that?”

The officer manning the surveillance console shifted uncomfortably. “We’ve triple-checked the footage, sir. There’s no sign of prosthetics or masks. Whoever this is, he’s either a professional actor with an uncanny resemblance to you or a… well, I don’t know what else he could be.”

“A ghost,” Legosi offered weakly, attempting to lighten the mood. Yafya shot him a withering look.

“Not the time, Legosi,” Louis murmured. The wolf’s ears flattened, and he nodded apologetically.

Yafya’s tail flicked, the only outward sign of his simmering frustration. “He’s good. Too good. That facial ID scan identified him as me. Perfect match.” His voice was calm, but Louis caught the edge beneath it.

Yafya pulled out his phone, the glint in his eyes sharper than ever. Without looking at the others, he dialed a number. “Rivers? I need you at the precinct immediately. Bring your kit. The lobby and holding cells. I don’t care if it’s inconvenient.” He ended the call without waiting for a reply and turned to the officer. “Seal the area. No one enters until Rivers and the rest of forensics gets here. If we’re lucky, our impersonator left behind DNA.”

The officer nodded and hurried out, leaving the three Beastars alone. Louis studied Yafya’s face, noting the strain in his mentor’s usually impenetrable demeanor. He couldn’t blame him. This was the third time in as many months that an operation under Yafya’s command had gone sideways.

For Louis, the implications were just as troubling. His and Legosi’s ascension to full Beastars had been announced barely a week ago. He’d hoped this case would cement their credibility, not unravel it. Worse, the tension between carnivores and herbivores in the city was growing sharper by the day. A tigress witness to a fatal altercation, now revealed to be living under a fabricated identity, and a mystery impersonator skilled enough to fool even the precinct’s systems would only fan the flames.

“What’s eating you?” Legosi asked, his voice low. He’d caught Louis’s distant look. Despite his often irreverent demeanor, Legosi’s instincts were sharper than most gave him credit for.

“Just thinking about the fallout,” Louis replied, keeping his tone even. “This doesn’t just make us look incompetent. It’ll embolden everyone who thinks we’re not up to the task.”

Legosi nodded, his ears flicking. “Yeah. Feels like we’re juggling fireworks lately.”

Before Louis could respond, the door swung open, and the precinct’s chief entered. A broad-shouldered buffalo, his presence was usually calming. Not today.

“Yafya, I’m sorry,” the chief began, his voice tinged with exhaustion. “We’re already tracing the vehicle logs and cross-referencing everyone who had clearance last night. But… well, you’ve seen the footage. Whoever this is, they’ve done their homework.”

Yafya inclined his head. “I appreciate the effort, Chief. Just make sure the protocols are airtight moving forward. If they can impersonate me, no one here is safe from suspicion.”

The buffalo’s face darkened as he nodded. “Understood.”

As the chief left, Yafya turned on his heels and gestured for Louis and Legosi to follow. The tension in the precinct was palpable as they made their way through the hallways. Officers whispered in corners, their glances furtive. Louis caught snippets of conversation, mentions of the scandal in the northern precinct, murmurs about falsified evidence, and growing distrust from the public. It was a mess Yafya, Louis, and Legosi knew too well.

The northern precinct debacle had been a turning point. Yafya’s clandestine use of his mice had served to fulfill the terms of their deal, but had also inadvertently exposed rampant corruption. Unfortunately the fallout had spiraled beyond their control. He’d leveraged the chaos to free the Shishigumi, and far ahead of his original schedule. Their loyalty was invaluable, but the price, a fractured trust in the system he now sought to make use of, was higher than he'd anticipated.

As they reached the parking lot, Yafya’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and sighed. “Rivers is on his way. Let’s regroup after the weekend; Rivers will need a while to find anything. I want every detail of Yumi’s fabricated identity traced. Someone put her in our system, and we’re going to find out who.”

Legosi gave a mock salute. “Got it, boss.”

Yafya shook his head but didn’t bother reprimanding him. With a curt nod, he strode to his car and drove off. Louis and Legosi lingered a moment longer.

“You’re quiet today,” Legosi said, breaking the silence. “More than usual.”

Louis shrugged. “Just thinking about what comes next. Yumi’s escape isn’t just a setback. It’s too well executed and happened too quickly after her arrest. You can’t pull something like this off without already having an emergency plan prepared.” The implication went unsaid; a normal criminal, even a killer, was unlikely to make detailed plans to try and break someone out of a police precinct.

Legosi’s gaze softened. “We’ll figure it out. We always do. Oh! I still need to buy groceries; Haru wants to make fried rice with eggs for dinner. See you soon Louis!”

As Louis watched Legosi’s wagging tail disappear into the night, a sleek limousine pulled up, and Louis stepped toward it. Inside, a lion waited: Hino. He nodded respectfully as Louis climbed in.

“Everything’s in place,” Hino said. “The Inarigumi and Dokugumi are open to talks. They still speak highly of your time with the Shishigumi.”

Louis smirked faintly. “Good. Set up a meeting. End of the month. Neutral ground.”

Hino inclined his head. “Consider it done.”

As the limousine glided through the city, Louis allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. The gang connections he’d nurtured, the same connections that had once threatened to consume him, would prove invaluable. He glanced out the window at the sprawling skyline. For all the day’s setbacks, he’d ensure something good came of this.

Louis stepped out of the limousine, his shoes crunching softly against the gravel driveway of his estate. The evening air carried a crisp chill, but the sight of his expansive lawn, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, filled him with a fleeting sense of calm. That calm, however, was promptly disrupted as he noticed the figures jogging across the lawn: seven lions in coordinated strides, their forms cutting imposing silhouettes against the manicured greenery. Louis was pleased to note that they were no longer looking like malnourished strays: the upgrade from prison food to his estate's kitchens had apparently been quite effective in getting them back to their previous selves.

Hino emerged from the car behind him, his mane slightly ruffled from the drive. Louis turned to him, raising an eyebrow. “Why are they running on the lawn? I had a state-of-the-art gym built specifically for their training.”

Hino offered a sheepish grin. “They’ve been cooped up inside too long, boss. Free’s been getting antsy. We’ve all been feeling it, honestly. Dope and I were the only ones to leave the estate recently, and even then, it was just for the negotiations with the Inarigumi and Dokugumi.”

Louis sighed, watching the lions’ disciplined movements. Their dedication was commendable, but the image of them tearing up his pristine lawn irked him. “I’ll have some outdoor training equipment installed behind the manor. Tell them to keep off the grass once it’s set up.”

Hino nodded. “Understood.” He hesitated, then added, “Mind if I join them?”

Louis gestured toward the group. “Go ahead. Just make sure they don't overdo it.”

Hino grinned and jogged off, greeted warmly by the other lions. A chorus of “Boss!” rang out as they acknowledged Louis from a distance. He gave them a curt wave before heading toward the manor.

As he entered, Yuta, his sheep butler, was already waiting to take his jacket. “Good evening, sir,” Yuta said smoothly. “Madam Azuki is in the dining room. She’s been expecting you for dinner.”

Louis handed over his jacket, nodding. “Thank you, Yuta. Keep an eye on the lions. Make sure they don’t damage anything.”

“Of course, sir,” Yuta replied, his tone impeccably neutral.

The dining room was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to Louis’s often cool demeanor. Azuki sat at the head of the table, her doe eyes lighting up as he entered. “You’re late,” she teased, her voice lilting with playful reproach. “I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me.”

Louis smirked faintly, taking his seat. “Hardly. Long day trying and failing to lower Yafya’s blood pressure.”

“I’m sure,” she replied, pouring him a glass of wine. “Let’s not talk about work, though. I have news.”

The first course arrived: a plate of celery sticks, delicately arranged. Louis’s favorite. He nibbled on one as Azuki leaned forward, her tone light but deliberate. “I missed my period again, and the gynecologist confirmed it. I’m pregnant.”

Louis froze mid-bite, the words hanging in the air. Pregnancy. The concept had been abstract to him, something relegated to the far-off future… if it happened at all. He’d been so consumed by the intricacies of his dual lives that the thought of children hadn’t even registered recently. The sterile, choreographed awkwardness of intimacy with Azuki had probably only contributed to his desire to simply erase the events from his mind.

Azuki watched him carefully, her smile unwavering but her eyes probing. “You’re startled.”

“A little,” Louis admitted, setting the celery down. “It’s just… unexpected.” At least it meant Azuki wouldn’t require a repeat performance in the foreseeable future.

“Don’t worry,” she said gently. “I’ll handle everything. I’ve been looking forward to this. Since the merger, I’ve mostly been doing charity work and attending events. I’m prepared for this next step.”

Louis nodded, grateful for her steady demeanor. But as her words settled in, memories of his own childhood surfaced. His father, Oguma, had been loving but distant, a stoic figure who valued discipline over affection. Louis had been raised in luxury but often felt the pangs of loneliness. Being secretly adopted also meant Louis had keenly felt the void left by the absence of a mother.

He straightened in his chair, resolve hardening in his chest. “I won’t be like my father,” he said firmly. “Our child will have a present, involved father.”

Azuki tilted her head, pleasantly surprised. “That’s a noble sentiment, Louis. But you already have two full-time roles: CEO of Horns and Beastar. How do you plan to pair those with fatherhood?”

Louis frowned, realizing the truth in her words. Between his corporate responsibilities and his duties as a Beastar, his schedule was already stretched thin. Azuki would be busy too, especially with her social commitments and now motherhood.

Then, inspiration struck. “What about your father?” he asked. “Would Renauld be willing to come out of retirement and help? He could handle some of my responsibilities at Horns.”

Azuki’s laughter was immediate and infectious. “Retirement? That’s generous. He’s still running the family winery and complaining about being bored. He’d probably jump at the chance for more work.”

She paused, her expression turning mischievous. “He’s at the winter estate right now. You could visit him tomorrow.”

Louis’s ears twitched involuntarily. Renauld, the elder stag, had always been courteous but subtly disapproving. Louis suspected he found fault in nearly everything, from the gardener’s hedge trimming to his son-in-law’s every decision.

Apparently something must’ve shown on his face because Azuki was smiling just a bit too broadly.

“Relax,” Azuki said, sensing his unease. “He’s like that with everyone. Besides, he’s the one who raised me, and I’m perfectly tolerable.” Her teasing smile softened the jab.

Louis chuckled despite himself. He finished his meal, his thoughts briefly drifting to Miyagi. When his lover, apparently a celebrated actor, had met Azuki at the Beastars’ ascension ceremony, Louis had braced for the worst. To the stag's surprise, the meeting hadn’t been a complete disaster that brought both of their lives crashing down in flames. While it had been a relief, the duality of his life remained a balancing act.

As they retired for the evening, Azuki headed to her room, still in high spirits. Louis, however, made his way to the sitting room for a nightcap. He poured himself a glass of brandy and gazed out the window. The lions were still training, their silhouettes moving steadily under the dim light of the setting sun.

The sight stirred something in him. The Shishigumi, once rulers of a portion of the Black Market, now served as his loyal bodyguards and underworld connections. Their liberation had been a gamble, but one that had paid off in loyalty and utility. If any deal with the other gangs went through, his lions would be almost as busy as he was with his Beastar duties.

His thoughts shifted to Legosi. The younger wolf had been acting strange lately, his usual friendly demeanor tinged with hesitation. Louis could tell Legosi wanted to say something but always stopped short. It was annoying, but also oddly reassuring. At least Legosi’s social awkwardness and steadfast nature were constants in a world full of uncertainty.

It helped that the wolf was just so fun to wind up. Some days Legosi seemed more domesticated than the actual domestics.

Louis swirled the brandy in his glass, letting the warmth seep through him. For all the chaos of his life, there were still bright spots. Tomorrow, he’d face Renauld and another set of challenges. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of quiet, watching the lions’ steady rhythm as the night closed in.

The limousine glided through the city streets, the gentle hum of the engine and the occasional muted honk from passing cars the only sounds accompanying Louis’s thoughts. Sitting back against the plush seat, the stag glanced at his phone, which buzzed with a message. It was from Legosi.

Opening it, Louis found a selfie: Legosi, his face framed by a ridiculous winter hat with floppy bunny ears, grinning with obvious reluctance while Haru beamed beside him. Her wide smile seemed to offset his awkwardness.

Louis chuckled softly, saving the image to his private folder. The sight of the wolf and his girlfriend together brought him unexpected warmth. Legosi had mentioned their recent difficulties; Haru had been deeply apprehensive about his decision to become a Beastar. But this picture, this small, silly moment, left him feeling optimistic. He texted back a brief, “Nice hat, Legosi. Haru chose well.”

The response came almost immediately. “She insisted,” Legosi wrote.

Louis smiled, slipping the phone into his pocket. Inconvenient attraction or not, Legosi’s loyalty and sincerity were constants he valued. The wolf’s awkward charm, so unlike Miyagi’s polished charisma, made him easier to tease... and harder to ignore.

“We’ve arrived, sir,” Felix’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

Louis glanced out the window, taking in the Maplewood Estate, Azuki’s family’s winter home. Unlike his own sprawling, modern manor, this property exuded old-world charm. Its brickwork, ivy-covered walls, and wrought-iron gates spoke of history and tradition. Yet, its size and elegance reminded anyone who visited that its owners were far from ordinary.

A porcupine butler waited at the grand entrance, his quills impeccably groomed and his demeanor professional. As Louis stepped out of the limousine, the butler gave a slight bow.

“Good morning, sir. The baron is expecting you in the salon.”

“Thank you,” Louis replied, adjusting his tie before following the butler inside.

The interior of the estate matched its exterior: tasteful and steeped in tradition. Louis’s shoes clicked softly against the polished floors as he was led to the salon. When the door opened, Renauld was already seated by the fireplace, a book resting on the arm of his chair. The elder stag looked up, his sharp gaze appraising Louis before softening into polite neutrality.

“Louis,” Renauld greeted, gesturing to a chair across from him. “Please, sit.”

Louis took the offered seat, noting the subtle tension in the older stag’s posture. They exchanged pleasantries, the conversation dancing around mundane topics. Renauld’s words were never unkind, but his tone carried the weight of measured judgment, a habit that seemed ingrained in his very being.

Eventually, Louis steered the conversation toward his purpose. “Azuki and I have news,” he began. “She’s pregnant.”

Renauld’s reaction was immediate and surprising. His usually composed demeanor gave way to genuine delight.

“Wonderful news!” the baron exclaimed, leaning forward. “Congratulations, Louis. And to Azuki, of course. This is a momentous occasion for our family, though I would’ve preferred to receive the news from both of you.”

Louis blinked, caught off guard by the warmth in Renauld’s tone. “Thank you,” he said cautiously. “That… brings me to why I’m here. I want to be an involved father, but between Horns and my duties as Beastar, my time is already stretched thin. I was hoping you might consider stepping in to help with the company.”

Renauld’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Ah, so you’re finally learning to delegate; a wise decision. And yes, I’d be more than happy to assist.”

The conversation shifted, becoming more relaxed as they discussed logistics. For the first time, Louis felt a genuine connection with the older stag. But then, Renauld’s tone grew thoughtful.

“You’ve exceeded my expectations in many ways, Louis,” he said. “I had my reservations… particularly after Azuki mentioned your relationship with Miyagi.”

Louis froze, his heart dropping into his stomach.

“She told you?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Renauld’s brow furrowed. “Of course, she’s my daughter. Why wouldn’t she?”

Louis struggled to find a response, his mind racing. Azuki’s approval of his relationship with Miyagi was one thing. Her sharing it with her father, the man who had arranged their marriage, was another entirely. In fact, he would’ve expected Renauld to try and spear him with the fire iron.

Noticing Louis’s discomfort, Renauld sighed. “It seems Azuki hasn’t explained everything. Come with me.”

He rose, leading Louis through the estate. They stopped before a set of ornate double doors adorned with a family crest.

“This is the gallery,” Renauld explained, pushing the doors open. Inside, the walls were lined with portraits, each depicting a stag and a doe, all with children, some accompanied by additional figures.

“Tradition dictates that every head of the family has their portrait painted after their heir’s first birthday,” Renauld said, gesturing to a particularly regal painting. “That’s mine, with my late wife Umeko and Azuki as a fawn.”

Louis studied the painting, noting the doe’s gentle expression and a young Azuki’s sleeping in her swaddling cloth. His gaze drifted to the other portraits, noticing the occasional inclusion of additional figures standing behind the primary subjects.

Renauld gestured toward one of the larger portraits, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “That’s my father and mother, with Aunt Beatrice, of course. She raised me more than mother ever did.”

Louis raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to the poised doe standing slightly behind the seated couple. “I didn’t know your father had a sister. Azuki never mentioned a great-aunt.”

Renauld snorted, his antlers dipping slightly as he shook his head. “Don’t be dense, boy. She was his paramour.”

Louis stiffened, his ears twitching at the bluntness of the statement. Before he could respond, Renauld continued, his tone taking on a sharper edge. “Nobility understood balance: roles, duties, alliances. Our family learned long ago that forced harmony breeds resentment. True romance like mine and my wife’s were rare. More often, marriages were pragmatic, while lovers provided genuine companionship.”

The older stag’s gaze softened. “Azuki understands this. It’s why she’s comfortable with your relationship with Miyagi; I raised her to expect such an arrangement. There’s no shame in it, Louis. It’s part of who we are.”

The younger stag frowned. “What exactly are you implying?”

Renauld turned to him, his gaze piercing. “You’re remarkably obtuse for someone who manages to juggle two lives. You have a carnivore for a lover, and you’re still asking me what I mean?”

The words struck like a hammer, but Louis’s composure held. “Are you saying Miyagi won’t be included in—”

“Good heavens, Louis,” Renauld interrupted, throwing up his hands. “I’m not concerned about your wolf. I’m lamenting the utter lack of understanding of history.” He gestured broadly at the gallery, his frustration palpable. “This room, these faces, they tell stories of compromise, of pragmatism, of legacy. Then again, with your inadequate educators not even teaching you the basics of history I’d be surprised if they ever talked about anything before the war. You’re a Beastar, aren’t you? Considering your responsibilities you can hardly afford to be this clueless about how carnivores and herbivores function.”

Louis bristled, but before he could formulate a retort, Renauld spun on his heel. “Come. You’ve clearly learned next to nothing about your own country’s history or traditions. It’s high time someone enlightened you.”

The elder stag led the way out of the gallery, his stride brisk. Louis followed, his irritation tempered by curiosity. They entered the study, a smaller but equally grand room lined with bookshelves and dominated by a mahogany desk. Renauld strode to a glass cabinet, retrieving a clothbound tome.

“This,” he said, placing the book on the desk with a weighty thud, “is our family’s chronicle. Written by my grandfather, it details the alliances, marriages, and… other arrangements that have kept our lineage intact. It is a collection of all the disparate records my family has kept from a time even before the Great War.”

Louis approached cautiously, his doubtful gaze flicking to the ornate cover. “And knowing your ancestor’s history will tell me more about all of society?” Louis mustered the book with a dubious expression; Renauld wouldn’t be the first man to vastly overestimate his own line’s importance.

Renauld’s expression softened, just enough to reveal a glimmer of something approaching approval. “Understanding where you come from helps you navigate where you’re going. You’ve done well so far, Louis. But this… this will teach you the why behind the what. Tell me, have you ever wondered where exactly carnivores got their meat from when they and herbivores still lived in entirely different regions of the continent?”

Louis reached for the book, the weight of it surprising in his hands. He opened it to the first page, the script neat and deliberate. As he read, Renauld poured two glasses of brandy, setting one beside Louis with an uncharacteristic gentleness.

“Now, let’s begin. Do you know what significance border towns had?” the elder stag asked, settling into a chair across from him.

Louis shifted uneasily in his chair, the upholstery creaking softly beneath him as he mulled over Renauld’s question. The study was cloaked in the warm glow of a desk lamp, its light catching the intricate woodwork of the shelves and the spines of countless old books. Renauld sat across from him, one hand clutching a glass of brandy. His piercing gaze pinned Louis in place.

“The significance of border towns before the unification,” Renauld repeated, his tone both patient and expectant.

Louis cleared his throat, attempting to assemble a coherent answer. “They were the towns located on the divide between herbivore and carnivore territories. Beyond that, I’m not sure what you’re looking for.”

Renauld sighed, a deep, weary sound that seemed to carry the weight of generations. “The state of public education is truly abysmal,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Yes, they were situated on the border, but their importance goes far deeper than mere geography.”

He set down his glass and leaned forward. “Before the war, border towns were unique in that they were the only places where carnivores and herbivores regularly intermingled. This was not out of some lofty ideal of unity, mind you, but out of necessity. Now, tell me, Louis, do you think these towns were more or less dangerous than the surrounding territories?”

Louis frowned, his mind racing. He didn’t want to think poorly of carnivores, not when Miyagi, Legosi and the Shishigumi were… everything to him. But the logical conclusion was unavoidable. “I would imagine they were more dangerous,” he ventured cautiously. “With easier access to herbivores, some carnivores might have been tempted to… act on their instincts.”

Renauld snorted in contempt, the sound sharp and derisive. “Typical,” he said, shaking his head. “And entirely wrong. The opposite was true.”

Louis blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

“The tenuous legal status of border towns meant that the meat trade was tolerated there. Carnivores rarely went hungry, and as a result, they were less likely to attack herbivores out of desperation.” Renauld’s voice took on the tone of a seasoned lecturer. “In fact, these towns were crucial channels for the carnivore territories to procure meat. They had a vested interest in keeping the towns stable and independent.”

He gestured toward the family chronicle. “Moreover, there was a phenomenon of self-selection at play. Carnivores who couldn’t control themselves and herbivores who didn’t want to be around carnivores simply moved elsewhere. Those who remained were the ones who could coexist. As a result, crime rates and predation were significantly lower in border towns than in other areas.”

Louis absorbed this, relieved and, to his own discomfort, surprised. “What about hybrids?” he asked, his voice quieter. “Were they… ?”

“Not welcomed, exactly,” Renauld admitted, “but tolerated. That is not to say that unions between carnivores and herbivores were actively encouraged. Tolerant or not, our ancestors weren’t blind to the physical and mental debilitations that so often plague such hybrids. In fact, the first meat substitutes like soy patties were developed in border towns. Many hybrids born of mixed unions feel the need to eat meat even though their body violently rejects it. Their herbivorous digestive system simply isn’t designed to deal with meat; these substitutes satisfied their misaimed instincts while not rendering them gravely ill.” As Renauld stopped to take a sip of his brandy, Louis wondered what kind of live Legosi and his grandfather might have lived if the wolf had been born into such a town.

“Still, border towns were the only places where such unions could exist without outright hostility. Elsewhere, hybrids were seen as aberrations, living proof of broken taboos.”

Louis’s chest tightened. He was happy to hear this, genuinely happy, but a niggling guilt gnawed at him. Once again, he had assumed the worst about carnivores despite knowing better. “I shouldn’t have assumed,” he said softly. “That carnivores are prone to violence. I know better than that.”

Renauld’s expression hardened. “Do you?” he asked bluntly. “Because you’re wrong again. Carnivores absolutely are prone to violence.”

Louis stared at him, shocked. “But you’ve been… tolerant of my relationship with Miyagi. How can you say that?”

Renauld’s sneer was sharp enough to cut glass. “This is why I hold your generation in such contempt,” he said. “You’re so desperate to believe in equality that you ignore reality. Carnivores and herbivores are not the same. They cannot be the same. The biological differences are too vast to pretend otherwise.”

He leaned back, his gaze unwavering. “The difference between a bear and a mouse is not like the petty rivalries you see within species. Not like the Ursine Conflict where grizzlies and polar bears tried to massacre each other over fur color, or the asinine Felidae Wars of antiquity that began because the tiger clans couldn’t agree on who had the most auspicious stripe pattern. It’s fundamental biology. And the pretense that we have the same abilities, the same opportunities, is both naive and dangerous.”

Louis’s ears twitched in irritation, but he remained silent as Renauld continued. “This ties directly to the reason my family tolerated consorts in arranged marriages. Forcing people who dislike each other to share the same space is a recipe for disaster. You can coerce them into smiling and being polite, but you cannot make them stop resenting each other. That resentment festers, and eventually, it collapses the relationship.”

Renauld’s voice grew heavier. “Before the war, carnivores and herbivores both had spaces that were purely their own. Border towns were peaceful because troublemakers were expelled or simply left. But in today’s integrated society, no one can escape anyone else. We herbivores are better off because we tend to be wealthier and can self-segregate. Carnivores are poorer and still face the burden of their hunger. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

He gestured expansively. “This family has endured because we understand pragmatism. We watched as nobility outside the northern territories fell to infighting. Meanwhile, our ancestors made the hard decisions and outlasted them all. Even now, the Ministry of Beast Harmony resents us for existing because we remind them of the authority they usurped. The fact that the northern territories still have a king, even stripped of most of his ancestral power, galls them like nothing else.”

Louis sat in stunned silence, Renauld’s words swirling in his mind. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. The destruction of the Black Market, Yafya’s decree, had eliminated a crucial retreat for carnivores. Without it, they were forced back into an unhappy coexistence with herbivores, and the resulting tensions were unraveling the city’s social stability.

As Renauld continued to rail against the ministry, Louis’s thoughts crystallized. He now knew exactly what he would offer the Inarigumi and Dokugumi.

After a bit more polite conversation, and an agreement to meet at the conglomerate's headquarters next week, Louis rose to leave. The family chronicle went back into the glass cabinet; Renauld assured Louis that he would be allowed to peruse it at his leisure the next time he visited with Azuki.

The air was cold as he stepped out of the estate and into his limousine. As the engine roared to life, he couldn’t help but smile faintly. For the first time in weeks, his path forward was obvious.

If the Black Market's abolition was the root of the problem then he would simply have to bring it back.

Chapter Text

Louis strode through the polished marble halls of Alta Gracia’s headquarters, his every step echoing in the cavernous, bustling space. The high-end fashion house, one of the many subsidiaries under the Horns Conglomerate, radiated an energy that was both intoxicating and mildly irritating. Assistants, designers, and executives scurried about with frenzied urgency, their voices a constant hum of hurried discussions about fabric choices, upcoming launches, and celebrity endorsements. He barely had time to react before a giraffe, her arms overloaded with a rainbow of fabrics, nearly barreled into him.

“Excuse me, sir!” she squeaked, barely pausing as she twisted her long neck to avoid knocking him over and continued her rush down the hallway.

Louis sighed, straightening his already immaculate suit. He was only here out of necessity. With Renauld now serving as CEO of Horns, Louis had been able to shift his focus onto his duties as a Beastar and his impending fatherhood. Renauld had taken to the role with little trouble, thanks in part to a handful of executive secretaries who had previously worked for Azuki before the company merger. They were already accustomed to the old stag’s brusque, exacting nature, and they made his transition relatively seamless. Unfortunately, Renauld had flat-out refused to take on any of the social events, high society functions, or anything even tangentially related to Alta Gracia or Pinnacle Studios beyond the financial side of things. He had been all too happy to explain his reasons, deriding actors and models as insufferably vain or brainless beauties.

Louis suspected Renauld had taken far too much pleasure in emphasizing that particular opinion. He couldn't help but wonder if his own past dabbling in acting back at the academy had been one of the reasons it had taken years for their relationship to thaw.

Still, Louis was grateful for the assistance. Just… less so as he was jostled yet again by another frantic assistant.

His patience already frayed, Louis quickened his pace through the dizzying halls of Alta Gracia. The building was an architectural marvel, at least, that was how Azuki described it. To Louis, it was an overcomplicated labyrinth. Open-concept offices sprawled in seemingly random directions, interspersed with expansive showroom floors where designers fussed over mannequins draped in extravagant pieces. As he passed one of the larger stages, he caught sight of models taking practice strides in the latest winter collection.

Winter, he scoffed internally. Then why so much bare fur?

The outfits were undoubtedly well-crafted, the work of highly skilled designers who poured their souls into their artistry. But to Louis’s more practical sensibilities, they looked more like elaborate costumes meant for fantasy characters rather than garments any sane person would willingly wear, even to a high society gala. The clashing styles, the near-assault of colors, the sheer impracticality of the cuts, it all made his head ache. He had always taken great care in his own appearance, ensuring his suits were flawless, but haute couture was an entirely different beast, one that he had no interest in taming.

Just as he rounded a corner, eager to escape the visual chaos, he collided with someone.

A fleeting impression of white, fluffy fur filled his vision before he muttered a curt apology, intending to move on.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t our recently crowned Beastar. No time for old friends, senpai?” a familiar, teasing voice drawled.

Louis froze. His ears twitched in mild alarm as recognition set in. Slowly, he turned his gaze toward the speaker.

Pina.

The Dall sheep stood before him, exuding effortless charm. Despite their shared history, Louis had never quite warmed up to him. Pina had been the undisputed heartthrob of the academy, changing girlfriends with the same frequency most men changed their shirts. Legosi’s retellings hadn’t endeared Pina to the deer either, though at least Pina had enough common sense to call the police before engaging a suspected murderer. And yet, despite his notoriety, Louis hadn’t immediately recognized him.

Pina had transformed.

His wool was no longer just soft, it gleamed with an almost ethereal sheen, meticulously sculpted into a luxurious, voluminous cloud. His facial features, once merely handsome, had been refined into the kind of beauty only found in the upper echelons of the fashion world. His entire aura radiated an almost infuriatingly effortless allure.

Louis found himself momentarily at a loss before snapping himself out of it. He didn’t precisely hate Pina, but the Dall sheep had always rubbed him the wrong way. That teasing, preening way he carried himself, it was as if he had been designed to get under people’s skin.

“What exactly are you doing in my company?” he asked, keeping his tone measured.

Pina let out an exaggerated gasp, pressing a hand to his chest as if wounded. “My dear Louis, how tragic it is that you don’t even know the top talents of your own empire.” He shook his head, clicking his tongue in mock disappointment. “Artists are always so underappreciated.”

Louis’s jaw tightened.

Pina must have caught the minute twitch of irritation because his grin widened. With a flourish, he gestured toward a framed magazine cover hanging prominently on the nearby wall.

Louis’s gaze followed, and he felt his eye twitch.

The latest issue of Couture, Cherryton’s premier fashion and lifestyle magazine, was displayed in all its glossy glory. The cover featured Pina sprawled across the lap of a black-suited tiger, his pose deliberately provocative. He was wearing an ensemble that was a tantalizing mix of suit and loungewear, all in pristine white, just a touch too short to be an accident. The lighting, the angle, the expression... it was all designed for maximum impact.

Louis felt an irrational wave of annoyance.

Pina turned back to him, feigning wide-eyed innocence. “Shocking, isn’t it? To think, all this time, you had such a talent working under you.” He sighed dramatically. “And yet, here you are, completely unaware of my contributions to your fortune. You used to be so diligent back at the academy, what would the drama club think if they knew?”

Louis exhaled slowly through his nose. He was well aware that starting a fight with one of Azuki’s models would not endear him to his wife. Not that Pina didn’t deserve to be knocked down a peg or two.

“I see success hasn’t changed you,” Louis said dryly, adjusting his cufflinks. “Still as insufferable as ever.”

Pina beamed, clearly taking it as a compliment. “And you, dear Louis, are as and stiff and humorless as your reputation suggests. But worry not, I’ll be attending this season’s gala. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to… reconnect.”

Louis barely refrained from sighing. He had made a small detour to humor his wife, yet now he was stuck dealing with this headache.

Louis turned his attention away from Pina as a quiet but unmistakable cough sounded behind the Dall sheep. He blinked, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto the figure standing there. The moment of recognition took longer than it should have, but it was still far easier than with Pina. Bill’s broad shoulders and familiar stripes were unmistakable, even if time had carved more muscle onto his frame.

Louis could never forget him. How could he, when this was the same tiger caught doping on rabbit’s blood, the one whose fight with Legosi had nearly turned their performance of Adler into a full-on carnivore brawl?

The very same Bill whom Louis had once threatened at gunpoint, back when his anger and contempt toward carnivores had been a blind, all-consuming fire.

A strange mix of mortified shame and an impulse to apologize warred inside him, but he hesitated. Pina’s presence made things trickier. The three of them stood in a moment of silence so thick it was nearly suffocating. Bill shuffled awkwardly, his tail flicking in agitation, while Pina was visibly delighted at Louis’s discomfort, his blue eyes gleaming with mischief.

Louis cleared his throat and prepared to make his excuses, turning to leave, only for Pina to call after him with mock innocence. “Oh come now, Louis. Won’t you join us for some tea? I’d hate for you to disappear before we can properly catch up.”

Louis barely paid attention, he just needed to find the marketing department and then leave; he couldn't waste time on catching up with barely friendly acquaintances from his academy days. Legitimate business aside, the stag was already preoccupied with thoughts of the Shishigumi and the problem of re-establishing underworld connections in preparation for the meeting with the Dokugumi or Inarigumi. The power vacuum from their incarceration had left him with few reliable sources for information. And then, as he took another step, a thought struck him like a lightning bolt.

He turned sharply, studying Bill with narrowed eyes.

The tiger looked good. Too good. Strong, well-fed, his coat glossy with health. Not the look of a man who had been struggling for sustenance.

Legosi had once told him about Bill’s frequent visits to the Black Market. That knowledge, combined with his current state, made Louis wonder. Was Bill still connected to someone supplying him with meat? If so, this could be his way in. He couldn’t rely on the Dokugumi or Inarigumi while they were still testing each other’s boundaries. If Bill had a supplier, he could discreetly establish a connection without tipping his hand to Yafya or the gangs.

It was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Much to Pina’s surprise and Bill’s confusion, Louis turned back and nodded. “Fine. Lead the way.”

Pina’s delighted laughter was grating, but he didn’t let it show. As they walked, Louis observed how the assistants and models gave Pina a wide berth, instantly recognizing him. Meanwhile, Louis himself went mostly unnoticed. It irritated him, though he supposed it was inevitable. He had deliberately kept his face out of the media; even as a CEO, his presence in the fashion world was mostly on paper.

Pina prattled on about the latest developments in haute couture and his growing foothold in the acting industry, but Louis only half-listened. He kept his focus on Bill, who remained visibly uneasy under his scrutiny. The tiger had never been particularly close to him; this conversation would have been much easier if Legosi were present. The wolf had a way of keeping in touch with everyone, even the people Louis would rather forget.

When Pina finally led them into his dressing room with a theatrical flourish, Louis was momentarily blinded.

Pink.

The room was an overwhelming, almost eye-watering shade of pink. It looked less like a dressing room and more like a bizarre fusion of a lounge and a princess’s bedroom. Louis almost turned to ask if Pina had made a mistake, but the framed magazine covers and trophies left no doubt. Of course, Pina would turn his dressing room into a shrine to himself.

Louis made his way to a mercifully frill-free couch, sitting stiffly while Bill prepared tea. Pina, ever one to needle, smirked. “You know, Louis, it’s funny. Azuki does all the heavy lifting at social events and you hide away, just like you used to do in the drama club’s head office. Some things never change.”

Louis rolled his eyes. “Indeed they don’t. How many girlfriends have you been through since the academy?”

Pina waved a hand airily. “Each woman is a unique gem. Counting would be rude.”

Bill, setting down a tray, muttered, “He hasn’t had time for a new one. His last girlfriend broke up with him a month ago after he ditched her for a photoshoot.”

Louis felt a smug sense of satisfaction at that. He sipped his tea and arched an eyebrow. “I would’ve thought anyone still willing to date you must be truly desperate.”

Pina only laughed. “On the contrary, dear Louis, I have quite the broad and dedicated fanbase. Image is everything, you see. It’s very trendy right now for herbivores to play the fragile, innocent type next to a strong carnivore. I simply… lean into it.”

He cast a teasing glance at Bill. “Isn’t that right, Billy-boy?”

Bill visibly winced at the nickname. “That was one time, Pina.”

Louis frowned. “What horrible fate befell you that you ended up working for him of all people?”

Pina, sipping his tea, made a grand gesture toward Bill. “Go on, Bill. Tell him how I saved you from a life of corporate misery.”

Bill sighed. “I liked acting, but I wasn’t good enough to go pro. I got a business degree and started working in advertising. It was miserable. Then, by chance, my boss had dealings with Alta Gracia, and I ran into Pina. We got coffee, and somehow, I ended up here.”

Pina interjected, looking far too pleased with himself. “I needed a bodyguard after that whole stalker business, but I hated the idea of a stranger shadowing me all the time. So I convinced Bill to take the job.”

Bill nodded. “I handled housework and errands at first while I trained. Now I work as his full-time bodyguard and personal assistant. Most weekends I’m free since Pina prefers to stay inside and read scripts or fan mail.” He glanced sideways at the Dall sheep, who was preening at the mention of his upcoming role and apparent popularity.

Pina smirked, comfortably settling back into the cushions. “And might I add, Bill was a bargain. Most people in this line of business would’ve asked for a much higher starting salary.”

Bill’s ears flattened slightly, clearly embarrassed. Louis, meanwhile, studied Pina.

For all his vanity and self-absorption, Pina had taken Bill in and helped him escape a job he hated. That was… surprising. His relationship with carnivores had always been antagonistic, his words designed to provoke and irritate.

So why help Bill?

Louis leaned back, fingers tapping against his knee as he considered his next move. Pina had revealed something interesting about himself today, but more importantly, Bill might be the key to exactly what Louis needed.

The stag weighed his options carefully, knowing that getting Bill to talk about his connections to the meat sellers would be impossible with Pina in the room. He exhaled sharply, swallowing his pride, and opted for a different tactic.

“You know, Bill,” he began, keeping his voice casual, “I've been thinking back to our academy days. Specifically, that time in the head actor's office.”

Bill, who had been quietly sipping his tea, froze for a moment. His ears twitched as he processed the words. Louis could see the gears turning in his head before the tiger's eyes widened in shock. Clearly, he hadn’t expected Louis to bring that particular moment up.

“You mean... that time?” Bill asked, his voice uncertain.

Louis nodded. “You remember, don’t you? That unfortunate misunderstanding.”

Bill's confusion deepened as he regarded Louis. In all likelihood it wasn't just the memory itself, after all, how could he forget being threatened at gunpoint, but the fact that Louis, of all people, was bringing it up in this way. Back then, the red deer had been satisfied with watching him cower, even going so far as to step on him as he left. For Louis to now reference it so vaguely, almost... regretfully, must be utterly baffling.

Pina, meanwhile, had been fussing over his fluffy clothing, preening idly as he listened. But now his golden eyes gleamed with curiosity. It was clear to him that something deliciously scandalous was unfolding before his very eyes. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm, and grinned at them both.

“Oh?” he cooed. “What’s this? You two are obviously talking about something juicy. Care to share with the class?”

Louis resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. “It’s nothing,” he said stiffly.

Pina tsked. “Now, now, Louis, that won’t do at all. You might’ve been gone for a year, but don’t think for a second that I haven’t done my homework. The drama club was positively obsessed with you for the longest time. Apparently, you were quite the character: prideful, abrasive, full of yourself.” Pina giggled. “It’s hard to imagine you bringing up an old spat just to smooth things over.”

Louis clenched his teeth. He despised being so easily read. But more than that, he despised that Pina wasn’t entirely wrong.

“As a Beastar, I’m supposed to set an example, for both herbivores and carnivores.” Louis replied at last, his voice even. “That’s the reason. My past behavior... was unworthy of the burden of this office.”

It was only a half-truth, but even so, the admission galled him more than he expected. Still, it was better than Pina prying further into his actual motives.

An amused hum left Pina’s lips as he studied Louis, but Bill seemed more affected. The tiger had been watching the exchange with wary disbelief, but now he simply looked uneasy. Before he could say anything, however, Louis stood from the couch. Then, to Bill’s visible horror, he inclined his upper body in a formal bow.

“I apologize for what I did back then,” Louis said, his tone leaving no room for mockery or doubt.

Bill, thoroughly flustered, stammered something incomprehensible, while Pina let out a delighted titter. “Oh, this is absolutely priceless,” the Dall sheep remarked, fanning himself dramatically. “Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see Louis bow to someone. It’s like the world has turned upside down.”

Louis exhaled slowly, keeping his posture poised despite the tight coil of frustration in his chest. Pina was enjoying himself far too much for his liking, but for once, the Dall sheep’s amusement wasn’t his biggest concern. Bill’s expression had cycled from disbelief to wariness, his ears twitching as he processed Louis’s words. It wasn’t lost on him that Louis, the same deer who once held him at gunpoint, was now offering something that was suspiciously close to an apology.

Louis had expected this reaction, but the truth was, he wasn’t here to mend old wounds, at least not for sentimental reasons. He needed to gauge whether Bill could be useful, and he needed to do so without Pina catching on.

Pina, however, apparently possessed the uncanny ability to sniff out anything remotely intriguing, and right now, his curiosity was locked onto the tense undercurrent between Louis and Bill. He set his teacup down, his delicate movements belying the sharp interest in his eyes. “Oh, this is rich,” Pina murmured, propping his chin on one manicured hand. “I was expecting some petty schoolboy grudge, but an actual apology? It’s almost funny, in a way.”

Louis forced himself to remain composed. He met Pina’s gaze with cool detachment. “Leadership demands accountability,” he said smoothly, though the words left a bitter taste. “When I was younger, I let my emotions dictate my actions. That was a mistake.”

It was the closest he could get to an open admission of guilt without completely sacrificing his pride. But despite his distaste for Pina’s constant needling, Louis was surprised to realize the words weren’t entirely empty. His past treatment of Bill had been shameful. If he was going to fix society he might as well start here.

Bill, for his part, still looked uncertain. He shuffled awkwardly, ears flicking back. Louis could see the moment Pina decided he’d had enough spectating. The Dall sheep leaned forward, his voice lilting with exaggerated delight. “Still, it’s so out of character for you, Louis. Our great star actor, bowing his head? Tell me, what did poor Bill do to deserve such a historic moment?”

Louis ground his teeth, resisting the urge to snap. He needed Pina out of the room.

He turned his attention back to Bill. “Would you be available for lunch sometime?”

Bill blinked, obviously thrown by the abrupt shift. Pina, however, perked up immediately. “Oh? Are we bonding now? How touching. You’ve come so far, Louis.”

Ignoring him, Louis pressed on. “You mentioned Pina stays in most weekends. Would that work for you?”

Bill hesitated, glancing at Pina as if expecting him to intervene. The sheep merely sipped his tea with a look of insufferable satisfaction. Finally, Bill sighed. “Yeah. I suppose I could make time.”

“Perfect, thank you,” Louis said, pulling out his phone. “Give me your number, and we’ll set up a time.”

Bill hesitated, then sighed and rattled off his number. They exchanged contacts quickly, Louis making a mental note to follow up once he had time to properly plan his approach.

Pina pouted dramatically. “Oh, but I do hate to be left out. What will I do without my dearest Bill to fetch my tea and tell me how stunning I am?”

Bill turned slightly red but otherwise ignored him. He reached for his phone, and he and Louis quickly exchanged numbers. Sensing Pina's lingering curiosity, Louis took the opportunity to distract the sheep with his favorite topic. “What kind of movie are you working on, anyway? I prefer theater, but I should probably catch up on the industry.” Preferably before Miyagi felt the need to bring him up to speed.

The tiger, who had just taken a sip of tea, immediately choked. Pina, on the other hand, positively beamed. “Ah, Primal Urge! A positively delightful little neo-noir thriller.”

Bill muttered something under his breath, but Pina was already launching into his explanation. “I play the charming yet oh-so dangerous femme fatale,” he announced with a smug little smirk. “The role was originally written for a woman, but my performance was so captivating that Sybill, the queen of neo-noir herself, rewrote the script just to include me.”

Louis frowned slightly. He wasn’t exactly surprised, but... “A femme fatale?”

Pina gave him a knowing look. “Yes, yes, I know. You’re wondering if I’m good at playing a manipulative seducer, aren’t you? Don’t worry, Louis. My success will serve as proof of my extraordinary range.”

Louis raised an unimpressed brow. “Or of typecasting.”

Pina gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. “You wound me, Louis.”

Bill muttered something that sounded suspiciously like ego the size of a skyscraper, but Pina ignored him. “The film follows a detective duo investigating a high-profile murder,” Pina continued, voice dripping with satisfaction. “I, of course, slink my way into their lives, seducing both the hard-boiled detective and his recently promoted rookie in order to escape suspicion.” He sighed theatrically. “Oh, they dared to suggest making both detectives women, but Sybill wouldn’t hear of it. She told them, in no uncertain terms, that if they wanted even a whisper of a sequel from her, Detective Marcello was staying a man. And honestly? I can already see the headlines. Utterly scandalous, isn’t it?”

Bill, meanwhile, had buried his face in his hands, mumbling something under his breath. Louis took pity on him and decided that was enough conversation about the Dall sheep’s questionable career choices.

Now he just had to hope that Pina didn’t invite himself to lunch.

Finally, Louis bid goodbye to Bill and Pina, with the tiger still looking flustered and the Dall sheep already picking out something else to wear for the afternoon. As Louis left, he hoped that whatever Pina picked, he would at least make a play at modesty. His ear flicked in irritation as he spotted another magazine cover starring Pina on his way to Alta Gracia's marketing department. He thought somewhat snidely that the role of femme fatale fit the vain sheep like a glove; at the very least, he had the smoldering look down pat.

It took some asking around, but eventually, an assistant guided him to the marketing department. There, he met the director, a well-dressed peahen with an air of brisk efficiency. At first, she seemed vaguely irritated at the interruption, clearly assuming he was just another employee interrupting her busy schedule. But the moment she realized exactly who he was, her demeanor shifted from coolly distant to warmly ingratiating.

“Oh! My apologies, sir, I didn’t recognize you right away. You must be Azuki’s husband, yes? I don’t believe we were ever introduced. What a pleasure!”

She practically beamed as she handed over the marketing plans that Azuki had requested for review. As Louis took them, a strange realization settled over him; he had spent the better part of his afternoon running errands for both his father-in-law and his wife. Was this what his life was now? A glorified courier service? Once upon a time, he had been the leader of the Shishigumi, commanding the respect of an entire criminal network. Now, he was running errands and exchanging pleasantries with marketing directors.

The stag pushed down the thought and cleared his throat.

As Louis sat in the marketing director’s office, flipping through the thick binder of promotional materials Azuki had requested, he allowed his gaze to drift back to the peahen seated across from him. She was a well-groomed bird, sharp-eyed and businesslike, though her entire demeanor had softened considerably the moment she realized exactly who he was.

He shut the binder with a soft thump and tapped a finger idly against its cover. “So, Pina,” he said, keeping his tone deliberately casual. “He seems to have quite the presence here at Alta Gracia.”

The peahen preened slightly, clearly proud of the star under her brand. “Oh, absolutely. He’s one of our most valuable faces, both for modeling and branding. His campaigns have been incredibly successful, and he has a great eye for aesthetics. Clients adore him, and the press can’t get enough. Our models usually find a niche they can excel in, but Pina actually found customers among both herbivores and carnivores, men and women alike. I dare say he’s a natural charmer.”

Louis let out a thoughtful hum. “Is that so? It’s just… I would have thought his personality might cause some friction. He’s rather,” He paused, searching for the word. “Flamboyant.”

She tilted her head slightly, as though sensing the slight dig but choosing to overlook it. “He’s certainly a strong personality, but that’s what makes him so effective. People remember him. He’s got an instinct for attention and how to use it. It’s all part of the package.”

Louis leaned back, fingers lacing together over his knee. “And no complaints? No… incidents? Surely a man like him has stirred up a little trouble now and then?”

The peahen laughed lightly, shaking her head. “Oh, he’s playful, but nothing serious. He teases, he flirts, but he’s always professional when it counts. The worst we’ve had to deal with is scheduling conflicts when he’s juggling too many projects. No scandals, no inappropriate behavior.” She gave him a knowing smile. “If you were hoping for some dirt, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.”

Louis barely kept his expression from slipping into a scowl. That was… unexpected. Pina, of all people, being universally well-liked? The same Pina who had made an entire personality out of being insufferable?

Still, he pressed on. “I suppose I should clarify, I meant his relationships. He’s known for being quite the social butterfly, isn’t he?” He let the question dangle, carefully watching the peahen’s reaction.

She didn’t even hesitate. “Oh, of course. He’s quite popular, and yes, he’s had his fair share of relationships, but he keeps his personal affairs separate from his work. Never lets drama interfere with business.”

Louis narrowed his eyes slightly. “And the women? No issues there?”

The peahen only shrugged. “As far as we’re concerned, his personal life is his own. He’s always charming, and I’ve never heard anyone speak badly of him once things ended.” Then, she chuckled. “Though I will admit, getting his bodyguard to pose for that shoot was a bit much, even for him.”

Louis’s ears flicked forward. “His bodyguard?”

She waved a hand toward the stack of magazines near the edge of her desk. “That Couture cover. The one where he’s draped all over a tiger? That was Bill. The original model canceled last minute, and Pina talked him into stepping in.”

Louis blinked, recalling the image Pina had so proudly flaunted earlier. “You’re telling me he convinced his own bodyguard to play a prop for one of his shoots?”

The peahen smiled indulgently. “He has a way of getting people to do things for him.”

Louis exhaled slowly, shaking his head. Shameless. There was no other word for Pina. As he collected the marketing binder and made his goodbyes, he made a mental note: he was going to take Bill somewhere nice. That tiger deserved a break from Pina’s exhausting antics.

The restaurant was exactly the sort of place one would expect Louis to frequent: discreet, expensive, and filled with the kind of clientele who valued privacy as much as quality. The maître d’ recognized him immediately, offering polite, hushed greetings as he led Louis and Bill to a secluded table in a more private section of the establishment. Bill followed behind, taking in the ornate décor and the quiet elegance of the restaurant. He whistled low under his breath.

“Damn, Louis, this place is fancy.” Bill grinned as he settled into his chair, his tail flicking with interest. “You sure they’ll let me in? I feel underdressed.”

Louis smirked as he picked up the menu. “You’re with me. That’s enough.”

A waiter arrived promptly, offering them a wine list. Louis took it without hesitation, already deciding that Bill needed a drink to loosen up. As he glanced at the options, he tilted his head toward the tiger. “You get to eat at places like this often?”

Bill shrugged. “Sometimes. Pina gets invited to a lot of these spots, but I’m usually too busy working to actually enjoy it. Watching him eat isn’t quite the same.”

Louis hummed thoughtfully. “And when you do get the chance, do you eat properly?”

Bill huffed out a laugh. “You sound like my mom.” He leaned back, amusement glinting in his eyes. “I try, but honestly? It’s kind of embarrassing, I mostly just eat out of Pina’s fridge.”

Louis raised an eyebrow. “You live with him?”

Bill rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “Yeah. Wasn’t always the case, though. Back when I worked in advertising, I lived in corporate housing. When I quit and started working for Pina, it just made sense to move into a guest room in his penthouse since I needed to shadow him every time he goes out. I’d figured I’d move out once the stalker was arrested, but he just added housekeeping and managing his schedule to my duties instead.” He shrugged. “It’s not so bad. Kinda reminds me of sharing a dorm room back in school, except way bigger and with a lot more expensive furniture.”

Louis smirked. “And less privacy, I imagine.”

Bill groaned. “You have no idea. I also handle his fan mail, which… well, let’s just say some of those letters can get real interesting.” His ears flattened slightly, his tail flicking with unease. “I’ve read things I can never unsee, man.”

Louis chuckled, sipping the wine that had just arrived. “I’m surprised you don’t have your own place. It’s not like you can’t afford one.”

Bill sighed. “I thought about it, but after leaving my old job, I realized I didn’t really have a reason to get my own place. Plus, I don’t see my old friends as much these days. Tao and Aoba are busy, and while we keep in touch, it’s not the same. Living at Pina’s place keeps things from getting too quiet.”

Louis nodded thoughtfully, filing that information away. “Well,” he said, lifting his glass, “enjoy yourself today. You’re off duty.”

Bill smirked and picked up his own glass. “I’ll drink to that.”

They placed their orders, Louis opting for a gazpacho and celery sticks, while Bill chose a dish of grilled and seasoned giant mushrooms with a red wine sauce. The conversation drifted into lighter topics, but Louis was biding his time, waiting for the right moment. As their glasses were refilled, he set his gaze on Bill, deliberately casual.

“So, was it hard to get that built?” he asked, nodding toward Bill’s broad shoulders.

Bill grinned, flexing slightly. “Hell yeah. This?” He gestured to himself. “This took work. Hard training, good diet, discipline.”

Louis tilted his head. “Must’ve been tough without eating meat.”

The shift in Bill’s demeanor was immediate. The tiger tensed, his easy expression fading as his ears twitched. His sharp eyes locked onto Louis, now wary. “What are you getting at?”

Louis studied him for a long moment, then exhaled through his nose. He had a choice to make: dance around the subject or be mostly honest. He opted for the latter.

“I need to get in touch with a meat merchant.”

Bill’s reaction was explosive. “What?!” He jolted upright, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. Heads turned in their direction. Louis shot him a sharp glare, hissing under his breath.

“Sit. Down.”

Bill, looking flustered, sank back into his seat, still visibly rattled. “Are you out of your damn mind?” he muttered, his voice low but urgent. “Why the hell does an herbivore need a meat contact?”

Louis calmly signaled the waiter for more wine before turning back to Bill, his voice measured. “I’ve recently hired some old friends. A group of lions. They need to get back into shape.” He paused, letting the implication sink in. “I thought meat might help speed up the process.”

Bill eyed him skeptically. “That’s it? You expect me to believe you suddenly care about helping some lions bulk up?”

Louis’s expression darkened slightly. “I’ve grown, Bill. I’m a Beastar now. My job is to understand both herbivores and carnivores, to see them for what they are, not just what I want them to be.” He let his voice soften, appealing to something deeper. “I’m not here to judge anyone for their instincts. As long as no one gets hurt, I don’t see the problem.”

Bill hesitated, visibly torn. His tail twitched behind him, his gaze flicking toward his wine glass before he finally exhaled and leaned forward. “Damn it, Louis… I like my life now. If this comes back to bite me, I swear—”

“It won’t,” Louis assured him smoothly. “I just need a connection.”

Bill sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. Finally, he spoke. “There’s a green grocer near the south-eastern docks, Gregory’s Greens. Ask for their signature red peppers, the really juicy ones.”

Louis filed away the instructions, nodding in satisfaction. “Understood.”

Bill grumbled. “Just… don’t make me regret this, alright?”

“You won’t,” Louis said, his tone firm. “I’m acting with everyone’s best interests in mind.”

As their food arrived, Louis settled back in his chair, already planning his next move. The first step was complete, he had a lead. Now, he just needed his lions to make the purchase, and hopefully, from there, they could gain a foothold.

As the stag watched the tiger dig into his dish with relish, Louis was quite content for the moment, idly swirling his wine around in his glass. If nothing else, at least Bill had gotten a decent meal out of it.

Chapter Text

The forensic laboratory was sterile and cold, the sharp scent of disinfectant lingering in the air. Overhead fluorescent lights buzzed softly, casting a harsh white glow over the metallic surfaces of workbenches cluttered with instruments and data printouts. In the center of the room, a large monitor displayed a digital representation of genetic sequences, blocks of green, yellow, and red forming an intricate mosaic of information.

Yafya stood with arms crossed, his brow furrowed in frustration as he glared at the screen. Across from him, Rivers adjusted his lab coat and sighed. The otter had been working tirelessly to analyze the data, and it showed in the dark circles under his eyes. “Well, I finally completed the sample analysis. I hope you're prepared for more questions than answers.” he said, rubbing his temples before gesturing toward the screen. “But let’s start with what we do know.”

Louis and Legosi stood off to the side, observing in silence. The red deer had his usual composed expression, though his fingers tapped against his arm in thought. Legosi, on the other hand, had his ears slightly back, his grey fur bristling as he processed the implications of the situation. Darth, standing near the door with his arms folded, exhaled heavily. “Walk us through it, Rivers.”

“Alright,” Rivers began, stepping closer to the monitor. He pointed at a section of colored code. “First, the suspect. I finally completed the whole genome sequencing on the Merino sheep’s DNA sample, though it was an extensive process with this substandard police equipment. But here’s the kicker: he’s a hundred percent purebred sheep. No hybrid markers, nothing unexpected in terms of lineage. We were sure he had some kind of mix, but there’s no trace of that. That’s why our previous tests all failed, there is nothing for them to detect.”

Louis raised an eyebrow. “How is that possible? We saw what this guy was capable of. No normal sheep has teeth like that, and we already ruled out a prosthetic. This makes no sense.”

Rivers nodded. “Right? Now, onto another concerning part,” he tapped at the screen, bringing up another section where red-highlighted sequences stood out like warning lights. “This is where things get weirder. These sections here? They control cell growth, division, and repair. And they’re riddled with abnormalities. If I had to make an educated guess, I’d say the suspect is either at risk of developing cancer or already has it. Honestly, without sequencing the whole genome I’d never have noticed this; as far as I know there are no tests to detect abnormalities like these.”

Legosi exhaled through his nose. “So you're saying this guy's body is basically a ticking time bomb?”

“More or less,” Rivers confirmed. “Anything that messes with these sequences either results in aggressive, uncontrolled cell growth, that’s cancer, or causes the body to break down at an accelerated rate. Either way, he’s got serious problems.”

Louis’ gaze narrowed. “Would he know?”

“Depends on how far along it is. If it's already progressed, then yes. He’d be feeling it: Fatigue, weight loss, unexplained pain, maybe even visible tumors. If it’s still developing, he might not even be aware yet. Still, this sheep successfully overwhelmed a stallion and a donkey; it shouldn't be far along yet since it clearly hasn't adversely impacted his mobility or strength. This is what confuses me the most; if I only had this gene sequence to go on I’d expect him to be significantly weakened, not strong enough to kill two people.”

Yafya’s fingers drummed against his arm. “We need to find out if he’s receiving treatment. A guy like that wouldn’t just sit around and let it happen if he has the resources. Maybe medical records could lead us to him.”

Darth nodded in agreement. “I’ll put in a request with the ministry to pull recent medical records for any high-profile cases fitting the description. It’s a long shot, but if he’s been receiving treatment under his real name, we might get a lead.”

Rivers hesitated before shifting the display. “Speaking of medical records… That brings us to the other problem.”

The screen changed, and Yafya stiffened immediately. DNA analysis results scrolled across the monitor, all stamped with one glaring conclusion: Match Found.

Rivers exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Due to his gloves there were no prints, but the DNA samples left at the precinct match yours, Yafya. Perfectly.”

The silence was deafening.

Legosi’s tail flicked sharply as he broke the quiet. “You're saying the person who walked out of here with the tigress wasn’t just pretending to be Yafya. Genetically, they were Yafya?”

“This is absurd,” the horse muttered. “Someone’s been walking around pretending to be me, and they were good enough to fool an entire precinct. Now you're telling me they left my DNA at the crime scene? How?” His tail flicked sharply, betraying the tension he was trying to suppress.

Rivers grimaced. “If you were just a civilian or even a regular officer, you’d be our prime suspect right now, Yafya. A perfect match like this means we should’ve already put you in cuffs. Luckily we know you were nowhere near the precinct when it happened; we have footage of you leaving the northern precinct after your double walked out of here. That’s airtight. But what we don’t understand is how the hell they got their hands on a sample of your DNA in the first place.”

Darth crossed his arms, his large frame tense. “For someone to frame you this perfectly, they need more than a few stray hairs; your saliva was also on one of the paper cups the imposter drunk from. We’re talking about a high-quality DNA sample, something substantial enough to replicate and plant at the scene. Your imposter was out of view of the cameras on a few occasions; they could’ve planted the traces then.”

Yafya’s ears flicked back as unease settled into his gut. “But how? I don’t just go around shedding fur by the pound everywhere. How does someone even get a sample of my saliva?”

Legosi’s jaw was tight, his usual easygoing demeanor absent. “More importantly, who would go through the trouble? This seems to be a bit much for what started as a case of self-defense gone horribly wrong.”

Louis spoke up, his voice steady but laced with suspicion. “If they have your DNA, it means they’ve had access to something incredibly personal. Maybe they even accessed your medical records? Would something like dropped piece of chewing gum do?” The last question was directed to the otter, who had already turned back to his tablet.

Rivers shook his head. “Something like a used cup or gum wouldn’t be enough for this level of accuracy; transferring or falsifying DNA traces and making it seem natural is incredibly tricky. Especially without leaving any traces yourself. Whoever did this isn’t just some random imposter. They had resources. They had intent. And they wanted us to think it was you.”

Yafya exhaled slowly, his hands clenching into fists before relaxing. “Then we need to find out who has access to my medical history, my personal records, anything that could be used to replicate my DNA or get samples. Someone went to great lengths to do this, and we need to figure out why.”

Darth’s gaze darkened. “And soon. Because if they can do this to you, they can do it to anyone.”

“And I need to get back to my laboratory.” Rivers shuffled awkwardly in place, fiddling with his coat and eyeing Darth. “Nothing against you or the ministry, secretary Darth; I appreciate your generosity. Still, the precinct doesn’t really provide the machines or environment we require for the kind of work you’re requesting. I realize that as a consultant, even a government sanctioned one, I can’t really make demands, but I would appreciate it if you could look into getting me and my team sufficient clearance to work in my own laboratory.”

The Saint Bernard sighed heavily; Louis got the impression that this was apparently an ongoing discussion. “It appears this is going to be a long term investigation anyway. I’ll see to it that you’ll get a higher clearance as quickly as possible.”

“Much appreciated.” The old dog waved Rivers off as the group filtered out the door, leaving the otter to tend to his syringes and test tubes.

As they left the forensic lab, the weight of the new revelations was pressing heavily on their shoulders. Yafya led the group down the hallways of the central precinct, his shoes striking the floor in measured, deliberate beats. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his posture was evident. He looked absolutely furious that someone had successfully impersonated him, furious that his own DNA had been used in some way to facilitate the escape of a criminal. It was one thing to have a lookalike; it was another thing entirely for a forensic match to confirm that someone out there had access to his biological material.

The stallion’s temper had been deteriorating as of late; Louis really wasn’t looking forward to witnessing the inevitable explosion.

They entered the room Yafya had claimed as his war room; it was dimly lit, the overhead fluorescents flickering slightly from overuse. A large whiteboard stood at the center of the far wall, filled with crime scene photos, notes scrawled in thick black marker, and pinned pieces of evidence that created a tangled web of connections. The air smelled faintly of stale coffee and paper, the scent of long hours and tireless work. The others filed in behind him, Darth stepping forward with a tablet in hand.

“You’re going to love this one,” Darth muttered, his deep voice carrying the unmistakable undertone of frustration. He set the tablet down on the table and flipped it open, revealing a series of stills taken from security footage.

“What are we looking at?” Louis asked, arms crossed as he peered at the photos.

Darth tapped the clearest still, which showed a quarter horse leaving an upscale apartment building. Louis recognized the building; the annotation placed the footage at one of the crime scenes the police had investigated in the past months.

Darth let out a slow breath and turned the tablet around so Yafya could see the screen. “This was pulled from a voyeur’s stash of recordings. The guy was arrested on an unrelated charge, but the footage he had... well, let’s just say it turned out to be more valuable than we anticipated.”

Yafya took the tablet, narrowing his eyes as he tapped play. The grainy video, shot from a distance, showed the entrance of a high-rise building. An elderly goat, well-dressed and leaning on a cane, walked inside. The timestamp indicated that this was mere hours before the old construction mogul had been found dead in his penthouse suite. Louis remembered that the detectives assigned to the case had been infuriated; the goat had been at the center of a web of fraud investigations tied to the Black Market. The video fast-forwarded, and a few minutes later, the door opened again.

A quarter horse stepped out.

Yafya’s brow furrowed. Something about the horse's stature, the way he moved, was eerily familiar. “Who is this?”

Darth hesitated before answering, his voice carefully measured. “That’s the problem. We don’t know. Not a resident of the building, or staff, or delivery personnel. We checked with everyone who had a reason to be in the building that day. But we do know that he left the scene of a murder.”

Legosi, who had been silent up to this point, suddenly pushed off the wall and stepped closer. His ears were pricked forward, his eyes locked onto the screen. “Wait a second. Play that back.”

Yafya frowned but complied, rewinding a few seconds. The video played again, and Legosi's expression grew more disturbed. He turned away from the screen and scanned the whiteboard, his sharp gaze darting between pinned photographs.

“What is it?” Louis asked, watching as Legosi rifled through a stack of printed images before pulling one free.

Legosi held it up for the others to see. It was an older crime scene photo, one of the quarter horse that had attacked the Merino sheep in the park.

The resemblance was uncanny.

Legosi placed the photo next to the still from the video. Two identical horses with the same face, the same build.

Yafya stared. He could practically hear the pieces clicking together in his mind, but the picture they formed was utterly incomprehensible.

“That’s impossible,” Louis finally said, voice tight. “That horse was buried months ago.”

Darth crossed his arms, his mouth a grim line. “Anyone willing to take bets on what we’ll find when I ask Rivers to compare the unknown stallion’s DNA found at the crime scene to your dead horse?”

A sharp, frustrated exhale left Yafya’s nose. “As if an impersonator running around pretending to be me wasn’t enough, now we have people coming back from the dead?”

Legosi ran a hand through his fur, his usual laid-back demeanor thoroughly shaken. “Either someone’s playing a sick joke, or there’s something going on that we don’t understand yet.”

Yafya set the tablet down with more force than necessary. “We need confirmation. We need to make sure that the horse we buried is still in that grave.”

Darth nodded. “Then we need a judge’s permission to exhume the body.”

Louis sighed and rubbed his eyes. What wouldn’t he give to be back in his office instead of dealing with this mess? Why was this case getting more and more convoluted? “Great. This day just keeps getting better.”

Yafya grabbed his coat, his movements sharp and impatient. “Louis, Legosi, you two are done for the day. Go home. We’ll handle the request.”

Legosi hesitated, clearly torn between exhaustion and curiosity, but eventually relented. “Alright. Keep us updated.”

Louis, already reaching for his phone, gave a small nod. He turned to Legosi, a wry grin on his face. “Remember dinner tomorrow evening; Azuki has been looking forward to this for a while. She's dying to get to know you and Haru better, especially after you left early during our appointment celebration.”

Legosi shuffled awkwardly; tail dangling limply as he reached for his jacket on the way out the door. “I apologized for that already. You know I'm not good with crowds.”

The deer just turned a disbelieving look towards the sheepish wolf. “Really? You could've fooled me. If I remember the evening correctly, you were surrounded by all sorts of admirers, all of them trying to talk to one of the newest Beastars. Don't worry though; tomorrow's dinner is a quiet affair; myself aside it’ll be just Azuki, you and Haru. And Miyagi of course, Azuki invited him as well.” Louis felt rather satisfied about that. He'd been a bit too busy to visit Café Champion. He missed the older wolf's presence terribly.

His good mood didn't even budge when Legosi almost crashed into the closing door of the precinct, apparently startled by something or another.

The deer rolled his eyes. This wolf would be the death of him.

In Miyagi’s opinion, the dining room of Louis's mansion was a masterpiece of quiet elegance. Its vaulted ceiling adorned with a grand chandelier that cast a warm, golden glow over the long oak table. The scent of expertly prepared dishes lingered in the air, mixing with the faint trace of polished wood and the distant crackle of the fireplace in the adjoining salon. As the evening settled into a comfortable rhythm, the group gathered at the table, each taking their seats while Azuki, ever the gracious hostess, ensured that everyone had a glass of wine before sitting down herself.

The spread before them was a testament to her impeccable taste. A rich butternut squash risotto, velvety and fragrant with sage and browned butter, was served in delicate ceramic bowls. A platter of stuffed bell peppers, bursting with quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta, sat beside a tray of crispy zucchini fritters drizzled with a cool mint yogurt sauce. A large centerpiece salad of roasted beets, walnuts, and goat cheese provided a burst of color amid the warm-toned dishes, and freshly baked olive bread accompanied a bowl of whipped rosemary butter.

Legosi, seated next to his girlfriend, observed the meal with mild surprise before lifting his wineglass in acknowledgment. “Azuki, this is incredible,” he said, his voice surprised but sincere.

Azuki, sitting beside Louis, smiled. “I’m glad you think so. I wasn't quite certain what everyone prefers, so I tried to accommodate a variety of tastes. I promise you won’t leave this table hungry.”

Miyagi, sitting across from her, chuckled as he helped himself to a generous portion of the risotto. “I don’t think anyone could complain. This is easily one of the best meals I’ve had in months.” It wasn’t a lie either; he’d invested most of his money and didn’t eat out often.

Haru, the smallest among them, delicately speared a beet with her fork and gave Azuki a grateful nod. “I appreciate the effort. Not every dinner host is as accommodating to different tastes.”

Legosi took a deep sip of his wine, pointedly avoiding looking at Miyagi. The older wolf was a bit surprised that he was given the cold shoulder; Legosi had been very friendly and approachable during their previous encounters. Now it seemed that he didn't just dislike the older wolf, he appeared to outright resent his presence. Tonight, however, he apparently forced himself to sit through the meal without making any pointed remarks, perhaps the wine was smoothing out the rough edges of his thoughts.

Conversation flowed easily over dinner, touching on lighthearted topics, anecdotes from work, Legosi’s recent frustrations with the bureaucracy of law enforcement, Azuki’s plans for a new charity event but Legosi’s mood noticeably soured the more he watched Miyagi. The older wolf was at ease, sharing subtle smiles with Louis, his gaze lingering just a bit too long whenever the deer spoke. And Louis, oblivious or simply uncaring of how it might look, seemed perfectly comfortable in return.

By the time the plates had been cleared, and the group moved to the salon for after-dinner drinks, Legosi’s patience was visibly wearing thin. He settled into a leather armchair with another glass of wine, but the warmth of the room did nothing to chase away the irritation radiating off the younger wolf. Miyagi, however, seemed entirely unaffected by the tension, leaning back into the couch beside Louis with an easy, knowing smirk.

He didn’t know why the younger wolf was in such a foul mood but he wouldn’t allow him to overshadow the evening, not after he’d had to wait so long to see Louis again. Still, he really didn’t want to wait around until Louis's friend exploded at him and caused a scene.

After a few minutes, Miyagi stretched and stood up. “I think I need some fresh air,” he announced casually, adjusting his cuffs. “Too much wine.” He cast a meaningful glance to the younger wolf; Legosi’s grip on his glass tightened. The other wolf’s hackles rose in challenge for a second before he forcibly composed himself.

He watched as Miyagi strode toward the gardens, his steps slow, deliberate. “Please excuse me for a moment.” With an irritated sigh, he set his drink down and stood, following Miyagi out into the night. Azuki and Haru barely noticed their departure, already deep into a discussion about Haru’s study. Yet, as Miyagi and Legosi rounded the corner, the older wolf noticed Louis frowning after them before joining the conversation.

Perhaps they should take this somewhere a bit out of the way; luckily Miyagi knew just the place.

The winter garden was dimly lit, the glass walls allowing the moonlight to cast sharp shadows across the tiled floor. The air was crisp, and the faint scent of pine and jasmine lingered from the greenhouse plants. Miyagi would’ve liked to stop and admire the plants and scents, but alas. So he stood near one of the walls, hands in his pockets, appearing completely at ease as Legosi approached.

“I don't know what game you're playing, but I see right through you,” Legosi bit out, his voice low and heated.

Miyagi turned his head slightly, raising an eyebrow. “Oh? And what, exactly, do you think you see?”

The younger wolf looked a second away from baring his teeth. “I saw you in the garden, when Louis invited you to celebrate our appointment as Beastars.” Legosi’s breath was ragged, his hands trembling with restrained fury.

Miyagi’s brows rose in surprise before his expression narrowed into a frown. This could be troublesome; Louis would never let him hear the end of it once he learned that his little wolf friend saw them.

Legosi narrowed his eyes. “You’re endangering Louis’s marriage. He and Azuki are perfect together, and whatever this, ” He gestured vaguely, frustration bleeding into every movement. “Thing is between you two, it needs to end.”

Miyagi stilled for a moment before laughter bubbled up, quiet but biting. “Oh, Legosi. You really have no idea, do you?” His tone was almost pitying, but there was a gleam in his eye, sharp and knowing. “You think I’m some homewrecker?”

Legosi’s hackles rose. “I don’t think, I know. I see what you’re doing.”

Miyagi leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a near whisper. “And I see the way you look at him.”

Legosi flinched, but Miyagi pressed on, his smirk widening. “You’re always watching, aren’t you? Always keeping track of him, always making sure he’s safe. You're so fixated on him; I noticed it every time we met. Honestly, it's quite cute. Like a school boy with a crush.”

Legosi let out a growl, his control slipping. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Miyagi exhaled slowly, then tilted his head. “Oh, but I do. Louis is stunning, isn’t he? I believe appreciation for an herbivore’s beauty is a quality we both have in common.” The wolf’s grin turned a tad broader; there was no reason to keep hiding his teeth. “But that’s where our commonalities end, don't they? Because I know what it’s like to have Louis underneath me, to hear him gasp my name, to feel him surrender when he—”

That was as far as he got before Legosi snapped.

In a flash, he had Miyagi by the collar, shoving him roughly back against the cold glass of the winter garden. Miyagi grunted at the impact, but the smugness never left his face. If anything, his smirk grew wider, almost inviting.

Aggression was pouring off the younger wolf in waves and Miyagi could feel his hackles rise to meet the challenge, he couldn’t help himself. Wolves were territorial after all.

“I won’t let you destroy his marriage,” Legosi growled, his voice thick with emotion.

Legosi’s grip on his collar tightened, his body taut with the effort of keeping himself from doing something reckless.

Miyagi exhaled slowly, feeling the solid press of glass against his back. Legosi's grip was firm, his breath hot with anger, but Miyagi could sense something else beneath the surface, something he could exploit. There was a thread of possessiveness to the younger wolf’s scent. He entertained the idea of continuing to push, to see just how deep he could dig into the younger wolf’s barely contained emotions. After all, it was far too easy to set him off.

It was a bit odd, really. Legosi was clearly trembling with fury and on edge, yet all Miyagi could think about was egging the young wolf on further. Perhaps he was even more pent up than he’d believed? As much as he played the well-bred high society wolf, Miyagi had always had a weakness for the more savage part of his carnivorous urges.

A pity, then, that engaging Louis’s best friend in a destructive brawl in the middle of Azuki’s winter garden would decisively ruin the evening.

Miyagi tilted his head slightly, meeting Legosi’s burning gaze with one of his own, and he realized something that made him pause. Legosi was dead serious. This wasn’t just some jealous outburst or some misguided attempt at posturing. Legosi genuinely believed he was protecting something sacred. The thought was almost amusing.

Miyagi scoffed, shaking his head. “You really are naive, aren’t you?”

Legosi’s grip on his collar tightened in response. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You think I’m sneaking around, endangering Louis’s marriage, breaking some unspoken trust?” Miyagi smirked, tilting his head. “Azuki knows.”

Legosi’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

“She knows about me and Louis,” Miyagi clarified, watching closely as Legosi’s expression flickered with confusion. “His own wife was the one who arranged it in the first place. Sent him walking straight into the wolf’s den; the only way Azuki could’ve made her approval more blatant is if she’d tied him up and stuck a bow on him.”

Legosi’s breath hitched as if the words physically struck him. “That’s impossible.”

Miyagi chuckled. “Oh, it’s very possible. She’s the one who encouraged him. Why do you think Louis is so eager to get my hands on him?” The older wolf thought he could see Legosi’s eyes widen in the dark, a hint of uncertainty and perhaps curiosity tainting the righteousness of his anger. “Out of the public eye, your dear Louis is a very passionate and, shall we say, liberated animal.”

Legosi’s grip loosened slightly, but he still looked unconvinced. His mind was turning over the revelation, processing it piece by piece. Then, suddenly, he groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. “I should’ve known something was off back at Café Champion.”

Miyagi blinked, a memory of Louis’s Beastar celebration coming to mind. Now that was interesting. He leaned in just a fraction, his grin widening. “That’s the second time you’ve mentioned the café,” he noted, voice teasing. “Why would you, of all people, know that Café Champion is a place for a very… specific kind of meeting?”

Legosi stiffened. His grip faltered entirely, his hands slipping from Miyagi’s collar. “I—I don’t—”

Miyagi moved fast, flipping their positions in an instant. He pressed Legosi back against the cold glass, holding him firmly in place with one hand. The other he lifted lazily, tracing his fingers along the edge of Legosi’s jaw in mock thoughtfulness.

“Well now,” he mused, thoroughly enjoying himself. “Did you do something naughty, Legosi? Something your sweet little bunny doesn’t know about?”

Legosi’s entire body went rigid. “Shut up,” he hissed, shoving against Miyagi’s grip. “It wasn’t like that. I was there for an investigation.”

Miyagi arched a brow, his smirk positively wicked. “An investigation?” He dragged out the word, rolling it over his tongue as if tasting it. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

Legosi struggled harder, his heart pounding in his chest. “Yafya was there too. Nothing happened.”

Miyagi’s grip tightened slightly, though not enough to truly restrain him. He didn’t need to. He already had what he wanted. “That’s a shame,” he said, tilting his head. “Louis has a soft spot for grey wolves. If you weren’t so devoted to your little rabbit, I’d have a few suggestions for him.”

Legosi outright panicked. With a sudden surge of strength, he shoved Miyagi away, breaking free of his hold. He stumbled back a few steps, breath coming in fast, shallow pants. His ears were pinned flat against his head, and his eyes darted away, unable to meet Miyagi’s.

Miyagi merely laughed. He could have pursued, could have teased him further, but he was already satisfied with the reaction he got. He rolled his shoulders and straightened his cuffs, completely at ease.

Legosi, however, looked like he had just stared into the abyss and didn’t like what stared back.

With a pleased sigh, Miyagi stuffed his hands into his pockets and watched as Legosi turned on his heel and practically fled from the winter garden.

Miyagi smirked to himself. That had been fun.

As Miyagi made his way back he noticed that the mansion had grown eerily quiet. Unfortunately, Louis’s home was still relatively unfamiliar to him. The abundance of scents also meant he couldn’t just sniff the deer out. He frowned slightly before stepping into the hall, where a passing maid noticed his searching glance.

“Sir, have you lost your way? The others are still in the salon,” the goat informed him with a polite nod, pointing him towards the end of the westward hall. “They’re having drinks.”

Miyagi thanked her and made his way towards the salon, following the soft hum of conversation that drifted through the hallway. As he stepped inside, the warm glow of the fireplace illuminated a cozy scene. Azuki, Louis, and Haru were comfortably seated on plush couches around a low mahogany table, drinks in hand, their expressions relaxed as Haru animatedly recounted something.

“—so they accepted my application,” Haru was saying, her eyes shining with excitement. “I’ll be starting as an intern first, but if I do well, I might get into the PhD program anyway! The Botanical Gardens are launching a partnership with Galdona University, so this could be my chance.”

Azuki’s face lit up. “Haru, that’s wonderful news!” she said warmly. “You’ve worked so hard for this, you deserve it.”

Louis nodded in agreement. “That’s really impressive, Haru. Congratulations.”

Miyagi strode over with an easy smile and settled on the couch next to Louis. “An internship at the Cherryton Botanical Gardens, huh? That’s no small feat. Congratulations.”

Haru beamed, clearly enjoying the praise. “Thank you. I just hope I make a good impression at the interview. I’ve already started going over their current research to prepare.”

“You’ll do great,” Azuki assured her, sipping her wine. “You’re incredibly knowledgeable about plants. You’ll probably teach them something.”

Miyagi chuckled, letting his arm rest lightly against the back of the couch, subtly brushing against Louis’s shoulder. “I don’t doubt that.”

Just as Haru began to wonder aloud where Legosi had disappeared to, the younger wolf stepped into the room. He hesitated for only a fraction of a second before composing himself. “Sorry,” he muttered. “Got a little turned around looking for the restroom.”

Miyagi glanced up, catching Legosi’s gaze for the briefest moment. The younger wolf’s expression was tight, his posture a little too stiff. Amused, Miyagi shifted just a little closer to Louis, his movements casual but deliberate. He didn’t miss the way Legosi’s jaw tensed at the motion.

Legosi hesitated before making his way to the remaining seat beside Haru, sitting down with a carefully neutral expression. The rabbit barely seemed to notice his discomfort, turning instead to Miyagi with an excited gleam in her eyes.

“So, Miyagi,” she started, shifting toward him slightly. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but I’m a little star-struck right now. It’s not every day I get to talk to an actual actor.”

Miyagi’s lips quirked in amusement. “Oh?”

Haru nodded enthusiastically. “I saw Chasing Moonlight at the cinema last month! I really enjoyed it. You were fantastic in it.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Miyagi said smoothly, pleased by the flattery. “If you ever feel like visiting, I’d be happy to show you and your boyfriend around the studio.”

Haru’s ears twitched thoughtfully. “That sounds amazing, actually. Though, I have to warn you, Legosi isn’t much of a moviegoer.”

Louis laughed softly. “That’s an understatement. If he had the choice, he’d probably rather go watch bugs at an insectarium.”

Miyagi let out a low hum, his gaze flickering towards Legosi, who was clearly trying to avoid looking directly at him. “I wouldn’t be so sure,” he mused. “I think Legosi and I have more in common than you’d expect.”

As he said it, his eyes remained locked on Louis, his expression unreadable but faintly amused. Louis returned the look with a small, uncertain smile, clearly sensing that there was some kind of subtext but not quite understanding it.

Legosi, on the other hand, had gone noticeably rigid. His fingers twitched slightly against the rim of his glass, and his tail flicked once in agitation. Miyagi could practically hear his thoughts scrambling.

Haru, oblivious to Legosi’s sudden tension, turned to him and frowned slightly. “You’re fidgeting,” she scolded lightly. “How much did you have to drink, Legosi?”

Legosi’s ears flattened slightly, and he let out a quiet cough. “Probably a little too much,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m not really good with alcohol.”

Azuki took one look at Legosi and Haru and, with a warm smile, made her offer. “Why don’t you both stay the night? We have plenty of guest rooms.”

Haru looked aghast, shaking her head almost immediately. “Oh, no, we don’t want to intrude! You’ve already done so much for us.”

Azuki waved a hand dismissively. “Nonsense. I don’t get guests too often, and I’d love to get to know Louis’s friends better. Besides, neither of you are in any state to drive after all the wine we’ve had.” Miyagi noted, with some amusement, that Azuki was pointedly not suggesting that they just call a cab or have the chauffeur drive them home.

The rabbit hesitated, looking uncertainly at Legosi, who seemed equally reluctant but not quite able to assert himself. Azuki, sensing their hesitation, turned to Miyagi next. “That goes for you, too, Miyagi. You’re welcome to stay unless you have work at the studio.”

Miyagi smiled, raising his glass slightly. “Thank you, I appreciate that. Fortunately I’m free all weekend, my next movie is still in script revisions. They changed one of the lead roles, so everything’s been delayed.”

Azuki beamed. “Perfect! Then it’s settled. You’re all staying.”

Legosi looked like he wanted to argue, but Haru was already sighing in reluctant acceptance. “If you insist,” she murmured.

Azuki stood, clasping her hands together. “Excellent! Now, let’s go find you two a room. I’ll tell the staff we have guests for the weekend.”

“Weekend?” Haru echoed, ears perking up. “I thought this was just for the night?”

Azuki chuckled. “Oh, no. You couldn’t possibly enjoy both the pool and the home cinema in a single day. Not to mention the wine cellar tour and the rest of the estate. And I must show you the orchids in the winter garden!”

At that, Haru’s resistance faltered, a spark of genuine interest lighting in her eyes. “You have orchids?”

“An entire collection,” Azuki confirmed. “I’d love to hear what you think of them. I’ve long considered starting a gardening club for a few of my close friends; if you have any ideas I’d love to include you.”

Haru bit her lip, clearly tempted. After a beat, she nodded. “Alright. Just for the weekend.”

“Legosi and I might have to do some work for Yafya during the weekend, depending on whether he’s managed to convince a judge to sign some paperwork.” Louis interjection was hand waved by his wife, who was already signaling for a maid to come and get their guests situated for the night.

“Oh, that won’t be a problem. Haru and I can have a girls’ day out. I’ve been meaning to check out that new spa Donovan and Magdalena won’t stop raving about.”

The doe turned to the rabbit, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “You’d love it, Haru. Donovan is usually such a grump about anything health-related and yet he had nothing but praise for the hot spring baths.”

Haru’s ears perked up, her expression brightening. “That sounds wonderful! I can’t even remember the last time I had a day to just relax.”

Legosi still looked like he wanted to protest, but with both Haru and Azuki settled on the idea, he had no choice but to go along with it. His shoulders slumped slightly, defeated.

Miyagi thought it so odd to behold that the aggressive, assertive wolf from minutes ago was nowhere in evidence; instead, Legosi meekly rolled over for his girlfriend and Azuki. It was as if the growling, territorial young wolf had been nothing but a mirage. He’d have to ask Louis about this later, as his best friend the stag should certainly have more insight into the younger wolf’s personality.

As Azuki led Legosi and Haru away, Miyagi found himself alone with Louis. A slow grin spread across his face, and he shifted closer to the stag, letting his hand rest lightly against Louis’s thigh.

Louis arched a brow, though he didn’t pull away. “What’s gotten into you?” he mused, amused by the sudden shift in Miyagi’s demeanor.

Miyagi leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Maybe having a younger wolf around has awakened some primal urge to mark my territory.”

Louis let out a short laugh. “Is that so?” He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Hate to break it to you, but this territory is already pretty thoroughly marked.”

Miyagi smirked. “There’s always room for a nibble or two.”

For the first time, Louis hesitated, his expression shifting ever so slightly. A flicker of contemplation crossed his face before he leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. “I’ll come to your room later. I’ll make sure Azuki gives you one in the family wing rather than a guest room.”

Miyagi hummed in satisfaction, watching as Louis stood and adjusted his shirt, his movements composed as ever. Before leaving, he bent down and kissed Miyagi, slow and deep, before pulling away with a smirk of his own.

Miyagi watched him go, then exhaled in contentment, leaning back against the couch. There had been a time when the age gap between them had made him unsure, uncertain if he should pursue something serious with Louis. But over time, that hesitation had faded. He loved being around the stag, loved the challenge, the way Louis was just effortlessly charming.

Perhaps, he mused, it would be a mistake to tell Louis about Legosi’s little fascination with him after all. As much fun as it would be to tease, he didn’t like the thought of losing Louis to a younger man. More’s the pity that today’s confrontation pretty much forced his hand; Louis wouldn’t be happy if he heard about it from Legosi. Angry Louis could be fun, but a seriously upset Louis was a terror to behold.

Still, it seemed he was in for a pleasurable night at least. Pouring himself another glass of wine from the bottle left on the table, Miyagi took a slow sip, feeling thoroughly pleased with himself.

Chapter Text

Chief forensic scientist Rivers sat hunched over his workstation, the soft glow of fluorescent lights casting sharp shadows over the deep creases of exhaustion lining his face. His lab coat, once crisp and white, was wrinkled and slightly stained from long hours of work, and his glasses perched precariously on the tip of his nose as he muttered to himself. The clock on the wall read 2 AM, but he barely registered it. Sleep had become an abstract concept over the past few weeks, something other people indulged in while he pushed forward, piece by maddening piece, through a puzzle that refused to fit together.

With a sigh, Rivers flipped through the test results on his tablet, his webbed fingers tightening around the edges as he reread the numbers for what felt like the hundredth time. The fur sample left at the precinct being a match for Yafya was odd but within the realm of explanation: contamination, misplacement, anything mundane. The saliva, though… that was another matter entirely. It wasn’t just a match. It was his DNA, down to the last sequence. Yet Yafya hadn’t spat on anyone at the precinct. And that meant something deeply unsettling.

His mind drifted to the Merino sheep’s DNA, another anomaly. At first glance, it had looked entirely normal. But upon closer inspection, there had been irregularities in certain genetic markers, small but distinct, as though someone had taken normal DNA and subtly tweaked it. The thought sent an involuntary shiver down his spine. Was it some kind of engineered manipulation? A natural mutation? He still believed a cancerous mutation to be the most likely explanation, since the abnormalities were clustered in the regions responsible for cell division and DNA repair, but he didn’t have enough data to say.

His fingers rubbed at his temple as he exhaled slowly, trying to calm the frantic whirring in his mind. The cases were stacking up, and the patterns weren’t making sense. He had always prided himself on being able to find the missing pieces, even when they were buried under layers of obfuscation. But now? Now he felt like he was chasing ghosts.

A sharp knock on the lab door startled him from his thoughts, and a moment later, Priscilla stepped inside, holding a sealed manila folder. The beaver looked nearly as exhausted as he felt, her brown fur slightly ruffled, her eyes dark-rimmed from lack of sleep.

“Here,” she said, setting the folder on the table beside him. “The results you wanted: Darth’s samples. The ones from the construction mogul’s murder scene and the quarter horse who died before him.”

Rivers barely acknowledged her as he flipped open the folder, his tired eyes scanning over the printed readout. His breath caught halfway through, and he blinked rapidly, reading the result again.

No. That can’t be right.

His grip on the folder tightened as he traced the data, the implication settling over him like a heavy weight. The two samples, taken from two entirely separate crime scenes, from an individual who was most definitely dead, were identical.

Priscilla took a cautious step back as Rivers let out a low, shaky breath. He slumped forward, pressing his fingers to his temples, his brain scrambling for explanations. It wasn’t possible. A horse couldn’t die and then be seen months later leaving the scene of another crime. And yet, here in his hands, the data told him otherwise.

“This doesn’t make any damn sense,” Rivers muttered, half to himself. “What the hell am I supposed to tell Darth? Or Yafya? Or the Beastars?”

Priscilla, wisely sensing the storm brewing in his head, took another step back toward the door. “Well, good luck with that,” she said, already inching away. “I’m gonna go pretend I didn’t see this.”

She had nearly made it out when Rivers suddenly sat bolt upright, eyes wide with realization.

“Wait,” he said sharply, stopping her in her tracks. “Priscilla, get back here.”

She groaned but turned around. “If you’re about to tell me to rerun more tests at this hour, I might cry.”

Rivers wasn’t listening. His mind was racing, his earlier frustration suddenly morphing into a focused determination. He sat up straight, flipping back through the other anomalous results, his eyes scanning rapidly over the abnormal Merino sheep’s data. The slight inconsistencies. The irregularities. Yafya’s double. And now this, this absurd, impossible DNA match between a living and dead horse.

Yafya did not free that tigress, someone pretended to be him and did it. That dead horse didn’t murder anyone, so someone else had to be the killer.

There were too many impostors.

He turned to Priscilla, who was still standing in the doorway, arms crossed, waiting for whatever revelation he was about to burden her with.

“We need more sequencing on the Yafya impostor and the dead quarter horse’s DNA,” he said, his voice firm.

She let out an exaggerated sigh. “Sir, whole genome sequencing takes weeks—”

“I don’t need the whole genome,” Rivers interrupted, flipping back to the Merino sheep’s data. “Just a specific section of it.”

Priscilla frowned but stepped closer, peering over his shoulder at the screen. “You think there’s a link?”

Rivers nodded, his fingers tapping against the screen. “Something’s been off with all of these cases. We’re not dealing with normal forensic anomalies. There’s a pattern, and if I’m right, we don’t need to sequence everything, just enough to prove that these samples actually do have a small difference despite the identical genetic markers.”

Priscilla studied him for a long moment before finally throwing up her hands with a long-suffering sigh. “Fine. I’ll prep the samples. If it’s only a small section we might actually be done with this today.” The beaver turned away and returned to her workstation, muttering about another weekend being thoroughly ruined.

Rivers nodded absently, already lost in thought. He had no idea what they were about to uncover, but for the first time in weeks, he felt like he was finally on the right track.

Rex, please let him be on the right track. If this was another dead end he might as well shred his degree and tell Yafya to consult a fortune teller.

The weekend at Louis’s mansion was proving to be a pleasant retreat. The morning sun cast golden hues over the well-kept garden paths as Miyagi and Louis strolled side by side. The air was crisp but not uncomfortably cold, the first hints of spring starting to creep into the winter-chilled earth.

Louis had listened with amusement as Miyagi animatedly recounted a scandalous tale from his industry: a colleague whose indiscretions had nearly cost her an entire career.

“—and so, after all that, she still thought she could bribe the director with a case of expensive wine?” Miyagi finished, shaking his head. “You’d think people would be smarter about these things.”

Louis chuckled, his breath visible in the cool air. “You say that as if you don’t have a few skeletons in your own closet. Everyone does.”

Miyagi raised a brow, mock-offended. “Oh? You think I have dark secrets? If we’re comparing, I doubt yours are more scandalous than mine.” He smirked. “You’re a businessman, Louis. A boring businessman.”

Louis’ eyes glinted with something unreadable. He stopped walking, turning to Miyagi with an expression that was almost playful, but there was an undeniable weight behind it. “You sure you want to challenge me on that?”

Miyagi scoffed, folding his arms. “Try me. Give me your most scandalous secrets.”

Louis exhaled, his gaze shifting toward the distant treetops for a moment before he turned back to Miyagi. “Alright. You asked for it.” He took a deliberate step forward, closing the small distance between them. “First, I used to be the boss of a gang in the Black Market for a little while.”

Miyagi blinked. Then, after a beat of stunned silence, he let out an incredulous laugh. “You’re joking. You? Leading a gang? I can’t—”

“I’m not joking,” Louis interrupted smoothly. “It was during my time at the academy; I went to the Black Market and fought them with Legosi. I became their leader when I was eighteen.” Louis smiled, looking at the fidgeting wolf through his lashes as he idly played with his collar. “Why do you think my bodyguards are all lions?”

The amusement drained from Miyagi’s face. He stared at Louis, searching for some tell that this was some elaborate joke, but the stag kept his face unreadable.

“Second,” Louis continued, “I saved Haru from the previous boss. She would have been devoured if I hadn’t stepped in.” That was shading the truth a little, but Legosi had been very clear on how little he wanted any attention.

Miyagi opened his mouth, then shut it again. His mind was apparently struggling to reconcile the refined, well-mannered businessman he knew with the image of a younger Louis leading the charge against a criminal group of lions. His ears flattened slightly as he processed the weight of that statement.

“And third,” Louis said, voice steady but soft as a feather, “I know what herbivore meat tastes like.”

Miyagi took a step back before he even realized it. His heart was pounding, and he had no idea which part of that revelation to focus on first. “You—” He swallowed. “You ate—”

“Yes,” Louis confirmed simply. “Not entirely by choice. It was a necessity at the time; commanding a group of lions requires a different set of social etiquette.”

Miyagi couldn’t tear his eyes away. He clearly wanted to ask, no, demand, how, when, why Louis had done something like that. But words completely failed him. His silence spoke volumes as Louis’ emotions flickered with something uncertain.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have told you that,” Louis muttered, looking away. “Too much?”

Miyagi shook himself out of his daze, finally realizing the effect his reaction was having. “No, no—no, that’s not—” He exhaled, running a hand through his fur. “I just... wasn’t expecting that. Any of that.”

Louis gave him a wry smile. “I did warn you.”

Miyagi hesitated before taking a step forward again, regaining his composure. “You’re right. I did ask.” He let out a slightly unsteady laugh. “Well, that certainly puts my past in perspective. I was expecting something like... I don’t know, unethical bookkeeping at worst.”

Louis chuckled at that. “And what about you? Any scandals worth telling?”

Miyagi sighed, shaking his head. “Honestly? Compared to that? I was just a cocky young actor who let his first taste of success get to his head.” He gave a self-deprecating smirk. “I slept around a lot. Thought I was a big shot the moment I landed a side character role. My manager, Cynthia, had to knock me back down to earth before I ruined my own career.”

Louis hummed, intrigued. “And that would have ruined your career because...?”

Miyagi’s ears flicked. “Because the industry’s two-faced,” he said bitterly. “Older actors with established careers can get away with anything. A sex symbol actress may change her men like other animals change shirts, but a newcomer? One wrong affair and you’re done. Nowadays, people would be very annoyed if I dated an herbivore. You being a man would be the lesser problem.”

Louis’ expression darkened slightly as he thought of the likely culprit; even behind bars Melon was still making people miserable. “Because of that hybrid serial killer?”

Miyagi exhaled sharply through his nose. “Yeah. The whole scandal was terrible for the reputation of hybrids. Even someone like me, who’s had nothing to do with that kind of thing, gets side-eyed for showing interest in an herbivore.”

Louis was silent for a moment before he sighed. “People are idiots.”

Miyagi chuckled dryly. “That they are.”

For a moment, they simply stood in the quiet garden, the chill in the air forgotten in favor of the weight of the conversation. Then Miyagi reached out, brushing his fingers lightly against Louis’ wrist before entwining them with his own.

“For what it’s worth,” Miyagi said, voice quieter, “I love you, regardless of all that.”

Louis’ eyes softened, and after a beat, he gave Miyagi’s hand a firm squeeze. “Likewise.”

Miyagi smirked. “Still, I think I preferred when I thought you were just a boring businessman.”

Louis laughed. “Too late now.”

Miyagi exhaled, shaking his head with an amused huff. “You know, when I first started out, interspecies relationships weren’t as frowned upon in the industry. At least not by agents.” He gave Louis a sidelong glance. “Because, let’s be honest, the chance of conceiving was low, and if a hybrid did happen, well… more often than not, the mother would choose to—”

Louis’ ears flicked, his gaze sharpening. “Abort?”

Miyagi nodded, his expression briefly grim. “That was the unspoken understanding. It’s not something agents would say outright, but they knew. It was easier for them to turn a blind eye back then.” He sighed. “I only slept with another grey wolf once, you know. A beautiful she-wolf. Drop-dead gorgeous, but… a little odd.”

Louis tilted his head, curiosity piqued. “Odd how?”

Miyagi chuckled, rubbing his jaw. “You sure you want to hear celebrity gossip from me?”

“Absolutely,” Louis replied smoothly. “I don’t often get a peek behind the curtain.”

Miyagi relented with a small grin. “Alright, alright. We were getting ready to,” He made a vague hand motion. “You know. And she suddenly panicked. Didn’t want me to touch or look at her back. When I asked why, she told me she’d been attacked as a child and had horrible scarring.”

Louis frowned. “That’s… rough.”

“Yeah,” Miyagi admitted, his smirk fading into something more thoughtful. “I think about her sometimes, actually. And not in the way you might think. My career? My looks are everything. I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like for her, living with scars she was ashamed of.”

Louis remained silent for a moment before giving Miyagi’s hand another light squeeze. “People tend to see only the surface, don’t they?”

Miyagi huffed a laugh. “Tell me about it. Took me ages to break out of just being a decent actor. I was stuck in a loop of playing smaller roles, making a name but not quite breaking through.” His lips curled into a smirk. “And then Chasing Moonlight happened. That’s when everything changed.”

Louis quirked a brow. “The film Azuki’s studio ended up producing? You’re up for Best Actor for your role in that one, Azuki mentioned it.”

“The very same,” Miyagi confirmed. “It actually ran into financing trouble while we were in the middle of production, just before the studio was swallowed whole by hers. Since I was one of the leads, they came to me to renegotiate my contract.” He laughed, shaking his head. “I knew the film was going to be big, so I took a gamble. Waived my salary in favor of a cut of the gross and some merch royalties.”

Louis gave an impressed hum. “And now?”

“And now,” Miyagi drawled, “I might end up making a record-breaking salary. Cynthia was livid when she found out I did the deal behind her back. Swore she’d drop me if I ever pulled something like that again.”

Louis chuckled. “And the studio?”

“They thought 1.5% wouldn’t be much.” Miyagi grinned. “Now, their accountants are probably crying.”

Louis shook his head in mild disbelief. “That was a bold move.”

“A very profitable bold move.” Miyagi winked. “The film blew up, the scriptwriter got a book deal with the Horns Conglomerate, and they’ve already signed him for the sequel. The genre’s been a little tricky to pin down, though. Right now, they’re calling it ‘gaslight fantasy with romance.’”

Louis smirked. “Sounds fitting.”

Miyagi stretched, clearly pleased with himself. “The best part? I’m already signed on for the sequel, and my contract ensures I get royalties for my image on the book cover.”

Louis let out a low whistle. “You really did get lucky.”

Miyagi shot him a playful look. “That, or I’m just that good.”

Louis rolled his eyes but smiled nonetheless. “Either way, congratulations.”

Miyagi hummed, pleased. “Thanks.” He then glanced around the sprawling gardens before returning his gaze to Louis. “You know, I never really saw myself enjoying quiet walks in a mansion’s garden, but I think I could get used to it.”

Louis smirked. “Careful, Miyagi. You might end up a boring businessman after all.”

Miyagi barked out a laugh. “Now that would be a scandal.”

Louis chuckled, shaking his head at Miyagi’s confidence. “Speaking of scandalous decisions,” he said, shifting the topic slightly, “I heard your next film is still in script revisions. What’s the hold-up?”

Miyagi exhaled through his nose, rolling his shoulders. “Well, for starters, it’s not the same genre as Chasing Moonlight. This one’s a neo-noir thriller called Primal Urge.”

Louis frowned. “That name sounds familiar...”

A moment later, realization struck, and his ears flicked back as he recoiled slightly. “Wait. Primal Urge? The same Primal Urge Pina is starring in?”

Miyagi tilted his head, clearly surprised at Louis’ reaction. “Yeah? What’s with the face?”

Louis hesitated before waving a hand dismissively. “It’s just... the name sounds a lot more risqué than your first big movie, that’s all.”

Miyagi smirked, clearly amused. “Oh, that’s what’s got you worked up? Don’t worry, Louis, the intimate scenes are all implied. Fade to black before any clothes even come off. Sybil, the author, agreed that keeping those scenes exclusive to the book made more sense for a general audience.”

Louis exhaled, relieved for a moment before internally scolding himself. He wasn’t actually worried about that... was he? Of course, the idea of millions of people ogling Miyagi wasn’t exactly thrilling, but it was the nature of dating an actor. No, the real issue was Pina.

“I wasn’t worried about that,” Louis said, before mentally correcting himself. “Not entirely, anyway.”

Miyagi quirked a brow. “Then what?”

Louis crossed his arms, expression flattening. “I know Pina. Pina the Dall sheep. He’s—”

“A bit full of himself?” Miyagi offered with a small laugh. “Yeah, I gathered that much, but he was perfectly friendly when I met him.”

Louis gave him a look of pure disbelief. “Friendly? Miyagi, the industry must have completely warped your definition of that word if you think Pina qualifies. He’s the single most insufferable, vain herbivore I’ve ever met.”

Miyagi grinned at Louis’ dramatic despair, but before he could tease him further, he suddenly moved. Quick and fluid, he pushed Louis back against a nearby tree, caging him in with his arms. Louis barely had time to react before Miyagi pressed closer, his warmth sinking in.

“Maybe,” Miyagi murmured, leaning in, “I just have a thing for prideful herbivore men.”

Louis wasn’t sure whether to feel pleased or annoyed at the comparison. He settled on pleased, especially when Miyagi nuzzled close.

“And speaking of wolves who like prideful herbivores, there is something I wanted to talk with you about.”

Louis parted his lips to reply, only for a loud, all-too-cheerful voice to interrupt.

“Boss! Dolph and Dope are back with— oh.”

Both Miyagi and Louis jerked apart instantly, turning to see Free standing there, his golden mane ruffled from training, his usually smug expression frozen in sheer disbelief. His sharp eyes flicked between them, his mouth opening and closing slightly as if his brain had just crashed.

Louis stiffened, heart pounding as he realized that—oh. Right. The Shishigumi had no idea. He, Azuki, and Miyagi had an understanding, but his men? They weren’t privy to any of it. And now, Free had just walked in on him pressed up against a tree by a wolf.

Miyagi, to his credit, simply looked thoroughly entertained.

Free blinked once. Twice. A leaf drifted from the tree above and landed squarely in his pompadour, but he was too stunned to notice.

Louis cleared his throat, face carefully neutral. “I need to deal with this.”

Miyagi chuckled, stepping back. “Of course. I’ll be at the pool.” With a final teasing grin, he turned and walked off, tail swishing lazily behind him.

Free, meanwhile, finally seemed to find his voice. “Boss... What. Was. That?”

Louis let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders back in a deliberate attempt to regain control of the situation. Free was still gaping at him, and the lion’s disbelief was practically radiating off of him.

“That,” Louis said coolly, straightening his shirt, “was exactly what it looked like.”

Free’s eyes widened further. “So you are—”

“Yes.” Louis cut him off before the younger lion could say anything regrettable. “Don’t worry, Azuki knows.”

That seemed to be the point that completely unraveled Free’s already tenuous grasp on reality. His ears flicked wildly, and he muttered something under his breath that Louis was fairly sure included what the hell is my life.

Louis sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I take it this is a lot for you.”

“A lot? Boss, this is—” Free gestured wildly at the now-empty space Miyagi had left. “You. With him. And your wife knows? And she’s fine with it?”

“Yes.”

“And you just, just never mentioned it?”

Louis exhaled. “Because it’s not relevant to business, Free.” Of all the people that could’ve caught them, it had to be the gang’s resident eccentric.

The lion let out a strangled laugh. “You, you don’t think your bodyguards should maybe know you’re—”

“I assumed you were all smart enough to figure it out eventually.” Not quite the truth, but the gang was a bunch of gossips at the best of days. If he hadn’t been so busy, he would’ve realized that the lions were bound to notice sooner or later.

Free looked personally offended. “Boss, I thought—! But you’re out here getting, getting pinned to a tree by a wolf! A famous wolf! Do you know what that looks like?”

Louis gave him a flat look. “I’m aware, Free.”

Free took a deep breath, muttering something else under his breath before shaking his head. “Okay. Fine. I need time to process this. Later. But, boss… did it have to be a canine?”

“Thank you,” Louis said dryly, “for being so very understanding.” Perhaps he should be grateful Free was too out of it to make a lewd joke about the situation.

Free muttered something that sounded suspiciously like the world has gone mad as he turned, still absently flicking at the leaf caught in his mane. Louis followed, schooling his expression back into something neutral.

When they entered the meeting room, the atmosphere shifted immediately. Agata, Dope, and Dolph were already waiting, their expressions serious. They barely spared Free a glance as Louis took his seat.

Dolph, ever the stoic one, was the first to speak. “We contacted the owner of the green grocer by the docks. Your information was correct, it’s a front for a meat merchant.”

Louis nodded, but Free still looked a little dazed as he took his seat. If the others noticed his distraction, they didn’t comment.

“The merchant sold to us without issue,” Dolph continued, “but the prices were high. He claimed his boss has a stable but limited supply after the Black Market collapsed.”

Agata leaned forward, his expression alight with curiosity. “When Dope tried to negotiate a partnership, the merchant refused. At first. Then he got a sudden call and changed his tune. Apparently, his boss does want to negotiate.”

Louis’ fingers tapped against the table. “That’s fast.”

Dolph’s expression remained unreadable. “It gets more concerning. The merchant made a comment before we left.” He paused. “His boss asked if we were enjoying venison again, after our brief stint with gazelle meat.”

A heavy silence followed those words.

Louis’ eyes sharpened. So they knew. Whoever this was, they were aware of the Shishigumi gang’s history. His history.

It ruled out a lot of suspects. If this had been someone affiliated with the Inarigumi or the Dokugumi, they wouldn’t have bothered with subtlety. That meant it had to be someone who had been a client before Melon. Someone who had dealt with him personally when he ran the gang.

That was promising. It meant they had leverage, if they played this correctly.

“The supplier asked to meet tonight,” Dolph finished. “They didn’t offer alternatives.”

Louis snorted. “Arrogant.”

“But likely also well-connected,” Dope added grimly. “The cameras in the shop were well-hidden. Their boss was probably watching us the entire time.”

Louis considered that. If that were true, then their supplier had already seen them in action. They had the upper hand in terms of information.

Finally, he nodded. “We’ll go. All eight of you. Take weapons, in case things turn ugly.”

The four lions exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Free looked especially eager at the idea of a potential fight.

Louis glanced at Dolph. “Make sure Free doesn’t get too eager,” he muttered.

Dolph sighed. “I’ll try.”

Said lion was getting a bit nervous and fidgety, his tail flicking restlessly behind him. Louis suppressed a wince and decided to just bite the bullet. There was no point in delaying the inevitable. With a sharp exhale, he turned to Agata.

“Go get the others. Tell them to meet us in the common room. Now.”

Agata, sensing the weight in Louis’ tone, nodded briskly and hurried off. Free, still looking like he was trying to figure out if he’d just hallucinated what he’d seen, shifted his weight from foot to foot. Dope, noticing his unusual silence, raised an eyebrow and smirked.

“What’s got you looking like that? You screw up again?”

Free immediately bristled, his ears flattening against his mane. “Why is that the first thing you ask?!”

Dolph, ever the stoic one, simply grunted. “Because whenever something unexpected and unpleasant happens, it’s usually your fault.”

Free opened his mouth, then promptly closed it, looking put out. Dope let out a chuckle as they made their way to the common room. It wasn’t long before the other four lions arrived, Agata at the lead, looking vaguely intrigued but not overly concerned. Once everyone had settled onto the couches and Louis had collected himself, he took a steadying breath and opened his mouth to speak—

Only for Free to blurt out, “Boss was making out with Miyagi!”

Oh, Louis was going to turn Free into a damned throw rug one of these days.

A heavy silence fell over the room as every lion turned to stare at Free, then slowly shifted their gazes to Louis, who was now resisting the urge to throttle the loudmouth. Free’s ears twitched, his expression caught somewhere between frantic and overwhelmed, and his tail lashed behind him like he was expecting to be tackled.

The room remained dead silent for a beat longer before it erupted.

“What?!”

“Are you serious?!”

“What the actual hell, Free?”

Louis inhaled deeply through his nose, his patience thinning by the second. “You couldn’t keep that to yourself for two minutes?”

The lions were either gaping at Free or staring at him, waiting for some sort of explanation. Among them, only Hino remained calm, observing Louis carefully.

“Is it true?” Hino finally asked, his voice even and unreadable.

Louis straightened his posture and met Hino’s gaze, projecting all the confidence he could muster. “Yes. I’m seeing Miyagi.”

That got a fresh round of stunned expressions, though this time, the lions didn’t immediately explode into noise again. Hino sighed and looked away for a moment, his gaze landing on the portrait of Ibuki that still hung on the common room wall. He studied it, his expression unreadable, before exhaling and rubbing the back of his neck.

“You know... Maybe I should’ve seen something like this coming.” He turned his eyes back to Louis, though they weren’t judgmental, just thoughtful. “Ibuki once told me something. There was this ugly she-wolf he saw you talking to once. He said he kept an eye on it in case anything weird came of it, but later he admitted something to me: you were always more tolerant than he was. You never dismissed people outright, no matter what they looked like or where they came from.”

Louis blinked, momentarily unsettled by the memory. He’d nearly erased Legosi’s disastrous infiltration attempt from his mind; how had that train wreck of a disguise actually fooled Ibuki?

Hino let out another long sigh before shaking his head. “I guess, in hindsight, it makes sense. You never let anyone’s expectations box you in, even ours. Still, I’m glad you at least chose someone presentable, even if it’s another dog.”

There was another beat of silence, but this time, it was different. The weight of shock was still there, but the previous tension had started to ease. Even Free, who had nearly bounced out of his skin minutes earlier, looked like he was slowly processing things in a more rational way.

Well, he was already in this deep, might as well come clean and get it over with. “That ‘she-wolf’ wasn’t actually a woman.” He sighed. “That was Legosi in disguise. He was trying to meet with me while you were still actively hunting him.”

The room fell silent again, this time, in absolute shock. The lions all stared at Louis as if he’d just told them the sky was green. Free was the first to react: His eyes widened before he made a strangled noise and burst into uncontrollable laughter, nearly falling off his chair.

“Oh, that’s rich! You mean to tell me that Legosi, that smug little bastard, had to walk around looking like the ugliest woman in existence?” Free practically howled, doubling over. “Serves the dog right for making us look like idiots!”

Louis smirked, leaning back into his chair. “Oh, it was even worse than you think. He had the most ridiculous, obviously fake feminine voice, and he sashayed out of the bar we met in. I don’t know what was worse: the way he walked or how many people he fooled into believing he was an actual woman.”

That sent the lions into uproarious laughter. Agata nearly choked on his own breath, while Dope actually had to wipe away tears. Even the normally stoic Dolph had to turn away, his shoulders shaking with silent mirth.

“You should’ve seen him,” Louis continued, shaking his head with faux solemnity. “His fur was a tangled mess, his makeup looked like it was applied by someone in the middle of a seizure, and his dress, by the gods, he walked around like he owned that hideous thing. He even did a little twirl when he left!”

Free was now pounding his fist against the armrest of his chair, gasping for air. “Oh, this is gold! I knew that smug idiot needed to be knocked down a peg! This, this is perfect!”

Hino, who had been watching the chaos unfold with an unreadable expression, finally let out a long, suffering sigh. “And here I thought nothing about you could surprise me anymore.”

Louis silently apologized to Legosi for throwing him under the proverbial bus, but if it meant solidifying the Shishigumi’s loyalty and camaraderie, it was a sacrifice he was happy to make. He’d make it up to the wolf later; Hell would freeze over before Legosi managed to hold a grudge for any length of time.

As the laughter died down, Dope’s gaze sharpened, and he leaned forward slightly. “So, does Azuki know about all this?”

“She does,” Louis confirmed, tone even. “Our marriage was an arrangement from the start. She was actually the one to point me in that direction, and we trust each other enough to make it work.”

The lions exchanged glances before nodding, accepting the answer without much fuss.

Agata tilted his head, curiosity clear in his expression. “So, what exactly is Miyagi to you, then? Just so we know how to treat him going forward.”

Louis didn’t hesitate. “He’s my lover. And likely to remain such for the foreseeable future.”

The lions processed that before collectively nodding again. Hino exhaled through his nose before standing up, stretching his arms. “Well, if that’s all, we should get ready for the meeting with the merchant.”

Louis hesitated for just a moment, glancing at the group of lions around him. “That’s really it? You’re all okay with this?”

Hino shrugged. “Boss, you’re not the first man in power to have a mistress or two next to his legal wife. It’s standard in a lot of underworld circles, especially when alliances and marriages are used to maintain power.”

Louis let that sink in, watching as the lions stood and started dispersing to prepare themselves. He found himself lingering in thought, struck by the realization that, despite their differences, the highest echelons of nobility and the criminal underbelly had more in common than either side likely realized.

As Louis entered the green grocer, his sharp eyes swept over the empty store, noting the way dust settled on some of the produce as if it had been arranged more for appearance than for actual sale. The only occupant was a middle-aged pig standing behind the counter, his ears twitching as he noticed Louis and the eight lions flanking him. The pig stiffened slightly, a sheen of nervous sweat already forming on his brow as he hastily adjusted his apron and forced a pleasant smile.

“Welcome!” the pig greeted, his voice slightly high-pitched with unease. “Ah, you must be here for the, uh, special delivery. Please, right this way.”

He hurriedly led them toward the back of the shop, his short legs working overtime to keep ahead of the imposing group behind him. The lions didn’t speak, but their presence was overwhelming, their heavy steps almost reverberating against the wooden floorboards. Free, ever the impatient one, muttered something under his breath about the cramped hallway, but Louis silenced him with a sharp glance.

The pig pushed open a door and gestured for them to enter. The back room was a stark contrast to the modest storefront. It was well-furnished, with several plush couches arranged around a low, ornate table. The scent of expensive incense lingered in the air, almost masking the faint underlying hint of something musky and metallic. Louis’s gaze flickered to the corners of the room, already suspecting hidden cameras or recording devices, though he made no immediate comment.

The pig wrung his hands together. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. I’ll fetch my boss.”

With that, he scurried out, leaving the group to settle in. Louis chose the center couch, crossing his legs and folding his hands neatly over his knee. The lions took their positions, some sitting, others standing, but all remaining alert. Free huffed in annoyance, arms crossed over his broad chest.

“Tch. First, they demand an urgent meeting, and now we’re the ones waiting?” he grumbled.

Before Louis could respond, the door opened again, and the pig returned, stepping aside to reveal a small, familiar figure.

The civet sauntered into the room like he owned it, his lean form draped in a crisp white button-down shirt with golden embroidery. His bushy tail flicked as he settled onto a cushion at the head of the table, his expression one of barely concealed amusement.

“Well, well, well,” Deshico purred, his sharp eyes locking onto Louis. “If it isn’t the prodigal prince of the underworld. How have you been?”

Louis narrowed his eyes, immediately suspicious. “Deshico. What is the leader of a semi-legal hybrid research group doing moonlighting as a meat merchant?”

Deshico chuckled, leaning back comfortably. “Oh, come now. My official main job is still a coffee merchant, dear Louis. The research? That’s my personal little passion project.” He paused, smirking. “And after Yafya so rudely bulldozed my house along with the rest of the Black Market, I decided to diversify my investments.”

The lions exchanged glances, clearly unimpressed. Agata audibly scoffed.

“Right. Coffee,” Dope muttered under his breath, his distaste evident.

The lions weren’t the only ones repulsed. Louis himself had always found Kopi Luwak’s production process, where civets digested and excreted coffee beans before they were harvested, to be unsettling at best. Not to mention that the one time they tried the coffee, they almost ended up mauling Louis.

Deshico, of course, blithely took no notice of their discomfort.

Instead, he grinned. “But let’s talk about you, shall we? I must say, when I saw that newly appointed Beastar in the news, I had a sneaking suspicion that I recognized that sharp little face. And look at you now! Back with the Shishigumi, alive and thriving. I had to confirm it for myself.”

Louis exhaled slowly, his patience wearing thin. “So this entire meeting was just a test? To see if I was actually back in charge?”

Deshico gave a theatrical shrug. “More or less. And now that my suspicions are confirmed, we can keep this brief.” He clasped his paws together. “I’ll throw my lot in with you, no questions asked. Of course, I wouldn’t mind a little extra funding for my research...”

Louis’s brow furrowed. “That’s a surprisingly easy agreement.”

The civet’s eyes twinkled. “Is it? Your goons, ” one of the Shishigumi growled at the insult, but Deshico waved a dismissive paw, “already told me you’re in need of a stable meat supply. I was hoping someone competent would get around to fixing the mess left behind. Regular society isn’t exactly interested in supporting hybrid research, and let’s face it, without the Black Market, my options are limited.”

He leaned forward, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “To be frank, Louis, I’m still doing fine financially. When that horse went to town on the market, I managed to save my research and went back to university to get my doctorate in biology. Not everyone was so lucky; the former residents of the Black Market are growing restless. Desperate. I don’t need to remind you how dangerous a large group of desperate carnivores can become. The protests over those legal cases were plenty bad already. If someone doesn’t step in, we’re looking at something much worse than a few angry mobs.”

Louis studied him carefully, considering his words. There was truth to what he said. Without an underground supply of meat, a home or stable employment, a significant number of carnivores had become more unstable, their frustrations mounting. If he and the other gangs didn’t seize control of the situation soon, someone else would, likely someone far less reasonable.

Deshico brightened suddenly. “Oh! And before I forget: I also have connections with several fishers in the sea nation. If you were to rebuild the market closer to the sea, you’d be able to secure both meat and fish in one go. Quite the efficient little operation, don’t you think?”

Louis arched an eyebrow. “You seem unusually enthusiastic about this.”

The civet merely grinned. “Let’s just say that I prefer an organized underworld to an actively collapsing one. And besides, I quite enjoyed the old Black Market. It was one of the few places where carnivores were honest about their nature. Maybe tone down on the rampant criminal activity though; I doubt it’d be a good fit for your new public image.” He tilted his head, his voice turning playfully dramatic. “The government’s solutions aren’t working, so why not take control? You’ll be a benevolent overlord, won’t you, Louis?”

Louis’s expression remained unreadable, though the corner of his mouth twitched in amusement. “Let’s discuss terms first. I have a meeting with the other gangs soon, and I’d rather not waste time.”

Deshico chuckled, spreading his arms wide. “By all means, let’s talk business.”

Rivers stared at the DNA analysis results blinking on the screen, his whiskers twitching with a mixture of dread and exhilaration. He had been right. The DNA for both the fake Yafya and the quarter Horse was exactly as he had feared: meticulously fabricated, each strand of genetic material woven together with such precision that even his most advanced forensic tools had initially failed to notice the discrepancies. But now, staring at the odd collection of genetic abnormalities, he knew he had found his breakthrough. The DNA was clearly from different animals, but the defects were perfectly identical.

It was both thrilling and terrifying.

Someone out there had figured out how to forge DNA traces to an almost impossible degree of accuracy. If not for these small anomalies, anomalies that could only have been noticed due to the sheer volume of testing and comparison, he never would have seen it.

His heart pounded, partly out of fear, partly out of sheer scientific glee. This was it. This was what he had been looking for: A way to finally pull the thread on this nonsense and unravel the entire mystery. His mind whirred, processing the implications at lightning speed.

On second thought, the heart pounding might also be due to sleep deprivation. Who knew at this point?

“Alright! Get me the samples from the other cases,” he barked, his tail flicking behind him with renewed energy. “I want to see if these defects exist in any of the older files. We might be sitting on a pattern that could blow this entire case wide—”

A polite cough cut through the charged atmosphere of the lab, stopping Rivers mid-rant. He turned sharply, his whiskers bristling, ready to scold whoever had dared to interrupt him at such a crucial moment.

Instead, he found himself face-to-face with a delicate, well-dressed antelope in a tailored black suit, flanked on either side by two burly rhinoceroses whose presence alone demanded immediate attention. The antelope’s sleek horns framed a composed expression, one that was entirely unruffled by the flurry of scientific activity around her.

“Dr. Rivers,” the antelope said with a polite nod. “My name is Yamaiko. I am a secretary of the Ministry of Beast Harmony, and I currently serve as chief secretary to the Minister of Defense. I hope I’m not interrupting anything too important?”

Rivers narrowed his eyes, his mind still reeling from his discovery. “If you hope that, you’re going to be disappointed,” he said flatly. “This is an active forensic investigation, and I don’t recall having an appointment with a ministerial secretary today.”

The otter turned back to his team, hoping that was the end of the conversation. He had far more pressing matters to deal with than bureaucratic interference.

“I understand,” Yamaiko said, her tone as pleasant and unruffled as before. “But I do think you might reconsider if I arranged to suspend your security clearance. That should quite neatly clear your schedule for the foreseeable future.”

Rivers froze.

The entire lab fell into a hush. His assistants stopped moving, looking between him and the immaculately dressed antelope with varying degrees of apprehension. A few shuffled closer to their stations, as if instinctively protecting their work from an incoming storm.

Slowly, Rivers turned back around to face her, his posture stiff. “Excuse me?” he said, his voice dangerously low.

Yamaiko simply smiled, a razor-thin expression of someone who held all the cards and was very much aware of it. “It is in both our interests, Dr. Rivers, that you accompany me. You are, of course, free to decline. However, should you choose to, I fear that all your ongoing cases will be temporarily suspended while we conduct a national security review. That includes any and all access you currently have to classified forensic records.” She gestured toward the door, stepping aside in a fluid motion. “Shall we?”

The rhinos didn’t move, but their presence was weight enough. Rivers clenched his jaw, his grip tightening on the edge of the workstation. He wasn’t a fool. Yamaiko had already decided the outcome of this conversation before she had even walked through the door.

Rex, how he hated the bureaucracy that came with working for public institutions.

He glanced back at the blinking DNA sequences on the screen, the groundbreaking evidence he had just uncovered. Every instinct screamed at him to keep working, to follow the data. But he also knew that if she was serious about her threats, he might not get another chance.

Gritting his teeth, he yanked off his gloves and tossed them onto the workstation. “Fine,” he muttered. “Lead the way.”

“Thank you for your time. Don’t worry, I’m here to help.” Yamaiko’s smile didn’t widen, but there was a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes as she turned and strode toward the exit, her towering guards moving in tandem. Rivers followed, feeling the heavy stares of his team on his back as the doors swung shut behind him.

Chapter Text

Louis sat at the café table, fingers loosely wrapped around a cup of now-lukewarm coffee. Across from him, Legosi leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a perpetual smirk playing at his lips despite the frustration in his eyes.

And here he thought meeting a meat merchant would be the height of excitement for the evening; instead he was now tending to yet another emergency after Yafya's frenzied phone call.

Yafya, meanwhile, had been glued to his phone for the past hour, fingers flying across the screen as he attempted to call up old contacts, only to be met with an alarming and disheartening silence.

Rivers, by contrast, was anything but silent. The otter was fuming, barely resisting the urge to pace around the small café. “They just waltzed in and took everything. Do you have any idea how much work that was?” he seethed, throwing his arms up in exasperation. “Years of research, months of forensic analysis gone! Confiscated! She didn’t even check which parts were related to the case and just had her lackeys carry the PCs out the door. It’ll be months of legal wrangling to get the unrelated research back, if they return anything at all. I’m not even allowed in my own lab at the moment. Do you know what I was left with? An empty desk and a pat on the head from her!”

“You mean Yamaiko?” Yafya asked, raising a brow.

“Yes, that insufferably polite vulture of a woman!” Rivers fumed, gripping his coffee so hard Louis half expected it to shatter.

The stallion was silent for a moment, his phone momentarily forgotten. “You know, it’s odd that she paid you a visit, even before contacting me.”

Before anyone could respond, Darth's phone rang. The Saint Bernard’s already somber expression darkened further as he answered. The conversation was short, and as he listened, his large paws curled into fists. By the time he hung up, his face had crumbled into something far more serious.

“The investigation is officially no longer our business,” he announced grimly. “The Department of Defense is taking over.”

Yafya nearly exploded. His chair scraped harshly against the floor as he shot up, his tail flicking in agitation. “What!? That's bullshit! How the hell can the Minister of Defense override the Minister of Justice? This is a criminal investigation, not a military one!”

Darth gestured for Yafya to sit down, shooting a wary glance around the café as other patrons started to stare. “It's complicated,” he explained. “By law, ministers can't interfere in each other's jurisdictions without a full assembly vote. But there's an exception. A law passed after the war.” He paused, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “The Minister of Defense can assume control of any legal investigation deemed a matter of national security or related to war crimes.”

Legosi scowled. “How often has that even been invoked?”

“In the last century?” Darth sighed. “I can count the times on one hand.”

Louis felt his stomach tighten. This wasn’t just a matter of the case slipping through their fingers. If the Department of Defense was getting involved and overriding Justice, that meant there was something here.

“How did they even know so much about the cases to begin with?” Legosi clenched his jaw. “So that’s it, then? Months of work just gone? We have nothing to go on, even if we wanted to keep going?”

Yafya exhaled sharply through his nose. “We have our instincts. And, technically, we're not forbidden from investigating. We just won’t have access to any official channels.” The horse grimaced as he took a sip of cold coffee. “That woman made a good show of seeming apologetic when I got to the lab, but she made no secret of the fact that I no longer have official backing.”

“Which means we’re screwed.” Louis shook his head. “Fantastic.”

“Wait, wait!” Rivers suddenly piped up, his eyes lighting up with realization. “I— I have something! Before all this nonsense, I took a copy of my analysis home. It's not fully up to date, but it's better than nothing. I can go get it.”

Hope flickered in Yafya’s eyes. “Send me a copy when you do. We can’t rely on official data anymore.”

“Great idea, but how are you getting there?” Legosi asked.

Yafya tossed his car keys onto the table. “Take my car. Public transport is a nightmare on weekends.”

Rivers frowned. “Yafya, I can’t even reach the steering wheel in that beast of yours.”

Darth chuckled, standing. “I’ll drive. You direct.” The Saint Bernard swiped the keys from the table, rising from the table, with the otter following suit.

Yafya nodded, already looking back at his phone. “Perfect. Also, I'll need copies of any investigation material or personal notes the two of your wrote down. Chances are the goon squad will visit you too and confiscate everything.”

Legosi hesitated. “Wait, my notes are on my laptop. It's in your car.”

Yafya waved him off. “Then go get it.”

Without another word, Legosi bolted after the departing duo, leaving Louis and Yafya alone to continue strategizing.

Just as Louis was about to speak, the entire world exploded.

A blinding flash of light turned evening into noon. The front of the café shattered inward in a deafening roar, sending glass and debris flying. The force of the explosion lifted Louis off his feet, and for a brief, horrifying moment, he felt utterly weightless.

Then came the impact.

Pain flared through his body as he crashed into something, maybe a wall, maybe a table. He didn’t know. He didn’t have time to know before everything faded into darkness.

Louis drifted into consciousness with the sluggishness of a body weighed down by exhaustion and medication. His head felt stuffed with cotton, a thick haze clouding his thoughts as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. The antiseptic scent in the air, the rhythmic beeping of a nearby heart monitor, and the soft rustling of fabric confirmed what he already suspected: he was in a hospital.

He attempted to sit up, but a sharp jolt of pain in his skull stopped him immediately. Something was off. He felt unbalanced, almost like his center of gravity had shifted. It took him a second to realize why: his antlers were gone. His heart pounded in his chest as he raised a hand to the top of his head, fingers brushing over the raw, bandaged stumps where they had been.

Memory crashed into him in fragments: the café, the conversation, the explosion.

Panic flared in his chest. Legosi. Yafya. Rivers. Darth. Where were they? What had happened? He needed to—

The door to the room opened, and a male pony in light blue scrubs stepped inside. The nurse paused for a fraction of a second upon seeing Louis awake, before breaking into a warm, reassuring smile. “Oh, you’re awake! That’s a relief. Welcome back to the land of the living.”

Louis swallowed past the dryness in his throat. “Where… am I?”

“Saint Astrea General Hospital,” the pony replied, stepping closer. “You were brought in after an apparent terrorist attack. You’ve been unconscious for some time.”

Louis sucked in a sharp breath. The café. The explosion. It hadn’t been some terrible nightmare, it was real. His breathing quickened, panic overtaking him. “The others—Legosi—” He struggled to sit up again, only for another wave of dizziness to crash over him.

The nurse placed a firm but gentle hand on his shoulder. “Easy, easy. You need to stay still. You were lucky, your injuries could have been much worse.” He gestured to the other bed in the room. “But if you’re worried about your partner, he’s right there.”

Louis turned his head, and his stomach twisted at the sight.

Legosi lay on the adjacent bed, his large frame heavily bandaged, his body restrained in place by medical braces. Most notably, his head was secured in a neck brace, keeping him completely immobilized. He looked… terrible. But at least he was alive. That was something.

The nurse picked up a syringe from the tray beside Louis’s bed and took out a small vial. “I need to administer your antibiotics. You were fortunate, aside from your antlers, you mostly suffered bruising and a nasty laceration on your head. We don’t want to risk infection.”

Louis barely registered the sting of the needle as he stared at Legosi. The wolf didn’t have any missing limbs, but the sheer extent of his injuries made Louis uneasy. He finally found his voice. “What’s wrong with him?”

The pony sighed, shaking his head with a practiced expression of sympathy. “I’m afraid his injuries were far worse than yours; he suffered a rather complicated cervical spinal injury. The doctors expect that he will be quadriplegic for the rest of his life. It’s unlikely he’ll ever regain mobility.”

Louis’s breath hitched. The words felt surreal, impossible. Legosi, paralyzed? The wolf who had fought tooth and nail against fate at every turn? It didn’t seem real.

But something felt… off.

It took him a moment to realize what it was.

The nurse’s voice was calm. Too calm. His tone was one of polite concern, but there was no real sadness behind it. And then, from the corner of his eye, Louis saw it: a small smile at the edge of the pony’s mouth.

A chill ran down his spine. He forced himself to remain still, to not react, as he subtly moved his hand toward the call button beside his bed.

“How long have I been unconscious?” he asked, keeping his voice steady.

“Oh, a little over three hours,” the nurse answered smoothly. “A rather short time, all things considered.”

Louis’s fingers inched closer to the button. “And the others?”

The nurse tilted his head slightly, that same pleasant smile on his lips but his eyes were chips of ice. “I’m afraid I wouldn’t know. My responsibility is solely your care.”

Something was very, very wrong.

He opened his mouth to ask another question, only to feel his tongue grow thick, his words slurring together into an incomprehensible mess. His muscles twitched involuntarily, his limbs turning leaden and useless. No matter how hard he fought, his body was refusing to obey his commands.

Panic surged through him as realization dawned: he’d been drugged.

The nurse noticed his attempt to reach the call button and, still wearing that same polite smile, gently moved it just out of reach. “Thank goodness, acting really isn't my forte. No need to strain yourself,” he said pleasantly. “That’s just the succinylcholine kicking in. It's perfectly harmless, I assure you.”

Louis’s body betrayed him, slumping fully against the mattress, unable to move.

The equine hummed to himself as he strode over to take a closer look at Legosi, oblivious to Louis hateful glare burning into his back. “Now then, Mr. Louis,” the pony started conversationally, turning back towards the deer with his smile much broader than before, “shall we have a little chat while I have you captive?”

Louis lay paralyzed, every ounce of willpower struggling against his unresponsive muscles. He could feel his heartbeat pounding against his ribs, could hear the blood rushing in his ears, but no matter how much he fought, he remained motionless.

The pony standing over him tilted his head slightly, regarding Louis with something akin to pity. “I really do apologize for this treatment,” he said, voice soft with a tinge of genuine regret. “But you understand, don’t you? I can’t risk you calling in your little pride of lions. They’re crawling all over this hospital, even with the doctors refusing them access to the ward. With Yafya being the one attacked, the media is in an absolute frenzy too.”

Louis wanted to sneer at him, to spit back that if they didn’t want the attention, maybe they shouldn’t have set off a bomb on a busy street, but his lips wouldn’t so much as twitch. His glare would have to suffice.

The pony’s expression soured, his ears flicking backward in visible offense. “Oh, if looks could kill. Please don’t lump us in with whoever tried to blow you up. We’re much more subtle than that. A suicide now and then doesn't draw attention: that’s effective. This? This is just reckless, inviting a war no one can win.”

His tail swished irritably as he continued, his tone turning bitter. “Things were fine until Yafya bulldozed the market. One of my brothers... didn't take it well. He went on a rampage, left a trail of bodies behind him. And then you, Legosi, and Yafya caught his girlfriend. It was only then that the idiot finally realized what he had done and came crawling back to our big brother, begging for help.”

The pony sighed and shook his head, as if the whole ordeal had been nothing more than an inconvenience. “It won’t happen again. I promise you that.”

Louis was struck by the sheer audacity of it; the pony genuinely believed he should be grateful. His stomach churned with a toxic mix of fury and helplessness. Why was this person talking about a string of devourings like he was a put upon father apologizing for his naughty son breaking the neighbor's window? Who were these people?

The equine must have noticed Louis’s silent seething because his expression smoothed out again, a carefully practiced smile settling on his lips. “But I digress. Let’s talk business. You like business, don’t you, Mr. CEO? I have an offer you won’t be able to refuse.”

Louis had no choice but to listen as the pony reached into his coat and retrieved a vial filled with a deep crimson liquid. “My dear elder brother,” he murmured, holding the vial up to the dim hospital light, “has extended a peace offering. Something I think you’ll find very valuable.”

With unsettling nonchalance, the pony picked up a fresh syringe from the tray beside Louis’s bed and carefully drew the thick liquid from the vial. Then, without hesitation, he turned toward Legosi’s bedside.

Louis’s blood ran cold.

No. No, no, no—

Every fiber of his being screamed at him to move, to lunge, to stop what was about to happen. But all he could do was watch in paralyzed horror as the pony methodically found a vein in Legosi’s arm and pressed the plunger down. The crimson substance disappeared into Legosi’s body, vanishing beneath his bandages.

Louis could feel the sting of tears in his eyes. The feeling of utter helplessness twisted in his chest like a cruel knife.

The pony turned back to Louis and, upon noticing his silent tears, let out a quiet chuckle. “No need to be so upset,” he cooed, as if soothing a child. “Legosi was given a miracle. And he didn’t even have to pay for it.”

The smile on his face widened, something gleeful glinting in his eyes. “But you will. Because nothing in life is free, and his recovery is only temporary if he doesn’t get his medicine. If you want your wolf to stay healthy, all you’ll have to do is play nice. If you try to cross us, we’ll vanish. And when we do, Legosi will go right back to being trapped in that useless body of his. It’ll be a slow, miserable decline.”

Louis felt like he was suffocating.

“It’s horrible, you know,” the pony continued, watching him carefully. “Watching someone waste away. Seeing them deteriorate little by little, until there’s nothing left but regret. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Would you?”

Louis’s entire being burned with hatred. He would have torn this pony apart with his bare hands if he could, but all he could do was seethe in silence.

The equine sighed and checked his watch. “Ah, time’s up. The drug will wear off soon. Can’t have you panicking and causing a scene, though.”

He retrieved another vial, this one filled with a clear liquid, and drew it into a fresh syringe. As he stepped toward Louis’s bedside, the deer’s fingers twitched. A small victory, but far too little, far too late.

The pony tutted at him. “None of that.”

The needle pierced his skin. A familiar, numbing warmth began spreading through his veins, and his vision started to blur at the edges. Consciousness slipped from his grasp, no matter how much he tried to cling to it.

Just before darkness took him, the equine leaned in one last time, his voice as smooth as silk. “Sleep well, Louis. And when you wake up, think carefully about your next move. Neither of you is likely to get a third chance.”

Louis’s world faded into blackness.

Louis blinked against the harsh daylight streaming through the hospital window, his body aching in protest as he reached out and slammed the nurse call button. His mind reeled from the memories of the previous night: the explosion, the hospital, the fake nurse, Legosi's injection. Panic gnawed at his gut, but as he prepared to explain everything, the warning the fake nurse had left him echoed in his mind.

The door opened, and a harlequin rabbit in a nurse's uniform entered, a clipboard held against her chest. “Good morning, Mr. Louis,” she greeted, voice professional but warm. “You called?”

He opened his mouth, intending to tell her about the fake nurse, the poison, the blood sample, the threats but then he hesitated. His throat constricted. The pony’s warning was explicit: if he stepped out of line, if he exposed anything, Legosi would pay for it.

Instead, he clamped his jaw shut, frustration bubbling beneath his skin. He fumbled for an excuse, anything to explain his frantic call.

The nurse tilted her head, waiting patiently, but as the silence stretched on, she finally prompted, “Are you in pain? Do you need anything?”

Agitation boiled over, and Louis snapped, “No, I'm not okay! Someone tried to blow us up! I don’t even know who made it out!”

The nurse’s expression softened. “I understand, Mr. Louis, but you need to remain calm. Stress won’t help your recovery.”

Before he could respond, a groan from the other bed interrupted them.

Louis turned sharply, eyes widening as Legosi shifted beneath the sheets. The wolf’s head moved slightly, the brace around his neck still locked in place, but the rest of his body was no longer restrained.

The nurse quickly stepped to Legosi’s side, her professional mask slipping as concern crossed her face. “Mr. Legosi, please stay still. You’ve been through a lot. Can you tell me what you remember?”

Legosi barely paid her any attention, raising an arm to shield his eyes. “It's too bright. Can you close the blinds?”

The nurse stiffened. Her hands clutched her clipboard as she gawked at the wolf like he’d just grown a second head.

With increasing alarm, the nurse hesitantly asked, “Can you lift your other hand for me?”

Legosi, now looking slightly irritated by her tone, did so without hesitation. “Uh, yeah? What’s with all the fuss?”

The rabbit took an unsteady step back, pressing a hand to her chest. Louis wasn’t sure if she was about to faint or run.

“I— I need to get the doctor,” she stammered, eyes darting between Legosi and Louis. “Please, Mr. Legosi, whatever you do, don’t get out of bed. Don’t move more than necessary.”

Legosi furrowed his brow but didn’t protest as she hurried out of the room.

Silence settled between them until Legosi turned to Louis, his expression softening. “You’re awake.” His voice was filled with genuine relief. “Thank god, I was worried. You look awful.”

Louis let out a breath, shaking his head. “Speak for yourself.” He swallowed thickly, gaze raking over Legosi’s bandages. The wolf was hurt, yes, but not nearly as bad as he should have been.

Then realization dawned and Louis felt his breath hitch.

“Wait, you moved your arm?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah? So what?”

Legosi swung his legs over the bed, intending to stand.

“Don’t!” Louis lunged forward, gripping Legosi’s arm in alarm. “Your neck, damn it!”

The wolf blinked at him in confusion. “Louis, I feel fine. A bit sore, yeah, but nothing’s broken.”

Before Louis could argue, the doctor entered, nearly colliding with the returning nurse. The hippo in the white coat took one look at Legosi sitting upright and stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes darted to the bed board, reading the chart as if to confirm that he was, indeed, in the right room.

“Nurse, get a wheelchair,” the doctor ordered, his composure quickly slipping into barely contained shock.

The nurse, still rattled, nodded quickly and disappeared once more.

“Mr. Legosi, how are you feeling?” The doctor’s voice remained calm, but his eyes betrayed his bewilderment.

Legosi shrugged. “A little stiff, but nothing crazy. What’s going on?”

The doctor hesitated before carefully choosing his words. “Do you recall what injuries you sustained?”

Legosi frowned. “Not exactly. But I’ve been in bad shape before. I usually bounce back fast.”

Louis’s fingers curled into the bedsheets. He didn’t dare speak.

The doctor sighed, rubbing his forehead. “Mr. Legosi, you suffered a severe cervical spinal injury. Your first X-ray showed significant damage that should have left you permanently paralyzed from the neck down. Even with experimental treatments, recovery should have been impossible.”

Legosi went pale. “What?”

Louis swallowed hard. He could still see the pony’s smile as he held the vial of crimson liquid.

The nurse returned, rolling a wheelchair into the room. The doctor gestured towards it. “We need to take you for another X-ray immediately.”

Legosi hesitated but nodded, clearly shaken. The nurse assisted him into the chair, her paws trembling slightly as she ensured he was secure before wheeling him out.

As the door shut, Louis was left alone. The events of the last twenty-four hours crashed down on him like a tidal wave.

His hands clenched at the sheets. His mind raced. He needed to think. He needed to do something. But if he acted recklessly, Legosi would suffer the consequences.

Before his thoughts could spiral further, the nurse returned, offering a small, sympathetic smile. “Mr. Louis, since there was so much chaos yesterday, we had to turn away visitors, but now that things are settling, would you like to contact someone?”

Louis barely hesitated. “My wife. And Haru, Legosi’s girlfriend.”

The nurse nodded. “We already contacted Mrs. Azuki after you were admitted, but visitors weren’t allowed due to overcrowding. She’s on her way now.”

Louis instinctively reached for his pocket before realizing his phone was gone. Destroyed, most likely.

“I don’t have my phone,” he muttered.

“I can find you one.” The nurse moved towards the door before pausing. “Is there anyone else you’d like to call?”

Louis exhaled, steadying himself. “Just ask one of the suited lions outside to give me one of their phones. They’re my bodyguards.”

The nurse blinked in surprise but nodded. “I’ll do that.”

As she stepped out, Louis exhaled slowly, dread curling deep in his chest. His fingers drummed against the bed frame as he stared at the door, mind racing.

Louis barely had time to contemplate getting up when the door to his hospital room opened, revealing a familiar lion stepping in. It was Agata, one of the youngest members of the gang. Despite his clear relief at seeing his boss awake and well, he respectfully kept his gaze averted, avoiding looking directly at Louis’s injuries. The stag could appreciate the courtesy, but right now, he had more pressing matters to deal with.

“Your phone, Agata,” Louis said, his voice steadier than he expected it to be. “And take a seat by the door. If possible, I want one of the Shishigumi in here at all times from now on.”

Agata nodded, quickly retrieving a phone from his pocket and handing it over. “Sorry, boss. The staff kept us out of the ward after yesterday’s chaos. We tried to get in—”

Louis waved him off. “It’s fine. Just make sure someone is here from now on.”

With that settled, he swiftly punched in Haru’s number. The phone barely rang twice before she picked up, her voice a mix of panic and overwhelming relief.

“Louis?! Oh, thank god! Are you okay? Are you hurt?!”

“I’m fine, Haru,” Louis said, though his sore body protested even that small lie. “Listen, I—”

Before he could get another word in, Haru nearly shrieked into the phone. “I was at my parents’ place! My phone was dead and I didn't notice! The hospital tried to call me yesterday, and I only saw the message this morning! I ran to the train station, I’m almost there!”

Louis grimaced. “Haru, calm down. You’ll be here soon, so I’ll explain everything then—”

“No! Tell me about Legosi!” she interrupted, her voice cracking under the weight of emotion.

Louis inhaled sharply. “The doctors originally thought he was quadriplegic,” he admitted.

The resulting cry from Haru was so loud Agata twitched from his seat, tail bristling in alarm.

“Haru, listen!” Louis rushed to correct himself. “It was a misdiagnosis. Legosi is fine! He woke up, he moved, and he even tried to get out of bed before the nurse had to stop him.”

The relief was evident on the other end of the line, though Louis could hear Haru trying to stifle her sniffles. “You idiot,” she half-laughed, half-sobbed. “You scared me half to death.”

Before he could respond, the conductor’s voice echoed in the background, announcing their arrival at the central station.

“I’ll be there in less than thirty minutes!” Haru said hurriedly before hanging up.

Louis exhaled and let his head fall back against the pillow, ignoring the dull ache that followed. Haru would be here soon, but there was still so much he didn’t understand. Just as he was beginning to piece things together, Agata’s ears flicked, and the lion turned toward the door as if hearing something outside.

The door flew open before he could reach it, nearly slamming into his face as Azuki strode in, making a beeline for Louis. She barely hesitated before embracing him, her arms wrapping tightly around his shoulders.

“You absolute bastard,” she murmured into his ear, voice trembling. “What the hell happened?”

Louis felt her grip tighten and sighed. “I should be asking you that,” he muttered, pulling back slightly to study her face. Despite her upset expression, there were no tears, just tightly controlled emotion simmering beneath the surface. She kept herself together well, despite the uncharacteristic cursing. He took some comfort in that. “I take it you weren’t given much information?”

Azuki shook her head, crossing her arms. “No, because my idiot husband neglected to call me before getting caught up in another near-death experience. All I know is that the news reported an explosion, Yafya was involved, and then I got a call this morning saying you were stable. That’s it. So, do me a favor, Louis. Start from the beginning.”

Louis exhaled, settling against the pillows. “Yafya called us all together for a meeting. We met at a café. We were discussing the case, and then...” He swallowed. “Then the explosion happened.”

Azuki’s lips pressed into a thin line. “And you just happened to be right there?”

“Yeah. Convenient, isn’t it?” Louis muttered.

Azuki opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the nurse from earlier returned, peeking inside hesitantly. “Mr. Louis? You missed breakfast, so we wanted to know if you’d like an early lunch.”

Louis nodded. “That’d be good, thanks.”

As the nurse stepped out, the door opened again, and the doctor entered, pushing a wheelchair with Legosi seated inside. The wolf’s head was still secured in a neck brace, but he was upright, his hands resting loosely in his lap. His eyes immediately locked onto Louis, relief flashing across his face.

Azuki turned toward him and visibly relaxed. “Legosi! You’re awake. You have no idea how worried we were.”

Legosi let out a dry chuckle. “You and me both.”

But the moment of levity faded quickly. Louis and Legosi exchanged glances, their earlier worries rushing back in full force.

“Azuki,” Louis started. “Yafya. Rivers. Darth. Are they—?”

Azuki's expression grew somber. “Yafya’s in bad shape,” she admitted. “According to the media, the explosion did a number on him, and his condition was critical when they brought him in. But he pulled through the surgery. He’s stable now, but he hasn’t woken up yet.”

Louis felt his stomach drop. Yafya was tough, one of the toughest, but he wasn’t invincible.

“And the others?” Legosi pressed.

“I don't know, the nurse at the reception wouldn't tell me since I'm not a relative. I only know that not everyone was brought to this hospital, they might be at another.” Azuki sighed. “There is an absolute feeding frenzy in the media though, there were fatalities and the chief of police is assuring everyone they're investigating.”

The tension in the room lingered as the nurse returned with their meals, setting down a tray in front of Louis and placing a much larger portion in front of Legosi. Louis, expecting the worst from hospital food, was pleasantly surprised to find it edible, even decent. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was simply starving or if the hospital actually cared about nutrition, but either way, he appreciated it.

Azuki ate little, distracted by her thoughts. Once they finished, she excused herself, saying she needed to call her father. Louis raised a brow in mild surprise when she added that Renauld had been worried about him. He hadn’t expected that, and despite himself, he felt a flicker of warmth at the thought. Azuki caught the shift in his expression and smiled before moving to step out of the room.

Just as Azuki was about to disappear into the hallway, the door flew open again, this time with much greater force. Haru came running in, her eyes immediately locking onto Legosi. Louis barely had time to react before she nearly launched herself at the wolf, only stopping at the last second when she noticed the brace around his neck. Her entire body trembled with barely restrained emotion.

She looked terrible. Louis had seen her cry before, had listened as she poured her heart out in that limousine ride so long ago, but this, this was worse. Her eyes were swollen, her face blotchy, and the way her small hands clenched into fists made it clear she was on the verge of breaking.

“You idiot!” she snapped, voice hoarse from what must have been hours of crying.

Legosi flinched. “Haru, I—”

“Don’t you ‘Haru’ me!” she cut him off, her voice rising. “I told you! I told you so many times! I begged you to stop doing this kind of work! And look at you! LOOK AT YOU, LEGOSI!”

Legosi glanced at Louis, Agata, and the nurse, clearly uncomfortable with having an audience for what was about to be a very personal argument. “Haru, can we not—”

“NO! We ARE doing this now! Right now! I’m tired of waiting for the ‘right time’ just so you can pull another stunt and nearly get yourself killed! AGAIN!”

Louis remained silent, watching as Haru’s emotions boiled over, spilling into the sterile hospital air. Agata, standing near the door, shifted uncomfortably, clearly feeling the second-hand embarrassment of witnessing such an intimate argument.

“I was told you were paralyzed, Legosi! Do you understand that?! PARALYZED! For LIFE!”

Legosi raised his hands, waving his arms exaggeratedly. “Well, clearly they were wrong—”

“Oh, so that makes it okay?” she shot back, her voice cracking. “You’re not taking this seriously at all! Legosi, you were caught in an explosion that left people dead! Do you even care how horrible I feel, wondering if you're even still alive every single time something like this happens? I'm TIRED of it!”

Legosi opened his mouth but couldn’t seem to find the right words. Haru’s shoulders were shaking, her breathing uneven. She looked like she was barely holding herself together, and despite her anger, the sheer distress in her eyes made Louis feel like an intruder.

Azuki, standing beside him, seemed to agree. She leaned in and whispered, “We should probably leave them alone.”

Louis nodded. With her help, he got to his feet, slipping into the hospital-issued slippers with a slight wince. Azuki subtly steadied him as he adjusted to standing. Together, they made their way to the door, Haru’s voice still rising behind them. Legosi barely managed to get a word in, and Louis wasn’t sure if he’d even be able to salvage the argument at this point.

The door shut behind them, muffling the sounds of the heated exchange. Louis let out a slow breath, glancing at Azuki. She arched a brow.

“Well,” she said dryly, “it certainly feels like this fight was a long time coming. I don't envy either of them.”

Louis hummed in agreement, his mind still lingering on the fight happening inside the room.

Louis sat in his study, rubbing his temples as he tried to focus on the notes sprawled across his desk. The upcoming meeting with the Dokugumi and the Inarigumi loomed over him like a storm cloud, and the sheer amount of preparation needed was giving him a headache. Despite the doctors’ insistence that he rest after his release from the hospital, there was simply too much work to be done. Yafya wasn’t awake yet either and he still didn’t know anything about Darth or Rivers’s whereabouts.

Worse, the situation of his project turned out to be quite delicate; sourcing enough fish to sustain their new enterprise while balancing the political landscape between their factions was a logistical nightmare. He needed to find a way to stretch their resources without compromising their operations.

As he mulled over potential trade routes and back-channel negotiations, there was a knock at the door. He barely glanced up from his papers.

“Not now, Yuta. I’m busy.”

“Apologies, sir,” the butler replied, voice composed as ever. “But Mr. Legosi is at the door. He wishes to speak with you.”

Louis was out of his chair before he’d even registered his own movement. He crossed the room in quick strides, practically flying down the stairs. The sight that greeted him was enough to make him slow down, Legosi stood just outside the open doorway, his posture stiff, his hands shoved into his pockets, looking utterly lost. The wolf’s ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps, and he raised his gaze to meet Louis’s.

“Legosi,” Louis greeted, quickly composing himself. “Come inside. We can talk in the salon.”

Legosi nodded wordlessly, stepping inside with a hesitance that unsettled Louis. He led him to the salon, where they settled into the plush chairs facing each other. Louis gestured toward the crystal decanter sitting on the table between them. “Cognac?” He’d offer sake too but Legosi looked like he needed something a little stronger.

Legosi gave a half-hearted shrug. “Sure.”

Louis poured him a generous glass, watching as the wolf took it and downed it in one go.

“You wanted to talk?” Louis prompted after a moment of silence.

Legosi exhaled, setting the empty glass down. “I need a favor.”

Louis leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. “You don’t even have to ask.”

Legosi gave a tired chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “I was hoping I could stay here. Just for a few days. I… I thought about going to my grandpa’s, but Haru knows him quite well now. I don’t want him getting involved in this mess. I know I could just book a hotel, but… I need someone to talk to.”

Louis didn’t hesitate. “Stay as long as you like.”

Legosi looked at him, some of the tension in his shoulders easing. “Thanks.”

Louis refilled his glass, though this time, Legosi only cradled it in his hands instead of downing it immediately. Louis wanted to ask if Haru had kicked him out, but something about the way Legosi stared at his drink made him hold his tongue.

Their quiet was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Louis turned to find Dope standing in the doorway, looking hesitant.

“Louis, I need a word. It’s urgent.”

Louis’s brow furrowed in irritation. “Can it wait?”

Dope shifted his weight uncomfortably. “It’s Deshico. He says it’s about our newest project.”

Louis clenched his jaw, forcing himself to remain composed. He turned to Legosi. “I won’t be far. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Legosi gave a small nod, barely reacting as Louis stood and followed Dope out of the room.

Once they were in the hallway, Louis snatched the phone from Dope’s outstretched hand. “Deshico, what is it?”

“Hey, boss! Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.” The civet’s ever-cheerful tone was grating. “Got some news. Good and bad. The fishermen are willing to work with us, but there’s a limit to how much fish they can spare. Can’t afford to starve their own people, no matter how much we pay.”

Louis pinched the bridge of his nose. “What about an exchange? Meat for fish? They get more fish to trade if we help supply them.”

Deshico hummed in thought. “Not a bad idea, but there’s a problem. My supplies are tight as is, and I don’t know anyone who can smuggle it through the docks unnoticed.”

Louis let out a slow breath. The answer was obvious. “The Dokugumi. They’re the best at smuggling in the Black Market. We’re meeting in a few days, leave it to me to negotiate. In the meantime, talk to the fishers and see what they’re willing to offer in return. I’ll handle the logistics.”

“Sounds like a plan, boss. I’ll keep you posted.”

Louis ended the call and handed the phone back to Dope. He ran a hand over his head out of habit, only to stop when he remembered his antlers were no longer there. The absence was still jarring, a reminder of everything that had happened.

Upon returning to the salon, the stag found Legosi empty another glass and was about to ask him something when he noticed that the decanter on the table was almost completely empty. His brows furrowed as he strode toward the wolf, voice edged with concern.

“Are you insane? Drinking this much in such a short amount of time? You'll send yourself back to the hospital with alcohol poisoning next.”

Legosi barely reacted, his eyes locked on the swirling remnants of amber liquid in his glass. His ears twitched slightly, but he didn’t meet Louis’s gaze as he muttered, “I think Haru broke up with me.”

Louis faltered for a moment, unsure how to respond. Legosi exhaled heavily, slouching back into the couch.

“She gave me an ultimatum: stop helping with investigations, take up a normal, safe job, or she's done.” His grip tightened around the glass. “I told her no... and she stormed out. Won’t even pick up when I call.”

Legosi gave a humorless chuckle, shaking his head. “Everything's such a mess. I want to keep working with you and Yafya. It makes me feel like I actually matter, like I can use my strength for something real. But if I keep doing it, I make her miserable. And if I stop, I’ll just be miserable myself. How the hell did this happen? Everything was so good just a few years ago. Why couldn’t it stay that way? Why couldn’t everything just stay fixed?”

Louis moved to sit beside him, watching the wolf intently. He saw the way Legosi was starting to sway slightly, his eyes unfocused. For a brief moment, Louis considered calling someone; he had no idea how much alcohol wolves could handle, and Legosi’s already had too much.

Legosi mumbled to himself, his voice quieter now. “She’s so pretty… Haru. Especially when she smiles.”

Louis nodded. “She is.”

Legosi chuckled again, though this time there was something distant about it. “Herbivores are beautiful in general, I always thought so.” he said, before his gaze slowly lifted, eyes hazy as they landed on Louis. “You're beautiful too.”

Louis felt a flicker of confusion at the shift in Legosi’s tone, but before he could respond, Legosi frowned deeply, as if something about that fact upset him. He shifted his weight, his ears flicking back as frustration laced his voice.

“You could’ve had anyone,” Legosi murmured. “Why’d you have to pick such a prick?”

Louis blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

Legosi exhaled sharply, as if exasperated by the deer’s confusion. “I saw you. The night we were appointed Beastars. In the garden. With Miyagi.”

Louis froze. His breath caught as the memory floods back: words whispered in the quiet of the night, the warmth of another body so close to his own. He hadn’t thought anyone had seen.

Legosi’s hands suddenly pressed against his shoulders, pushing him down into the couch. Louis tensed immediately, his voice sharp. “Legosi, let me up. Stop being stupid.”

But Legosi didn’t move away. He just stared at Louis, his expression unreadable, before he leaned in closer and whispered, “I like you, Louis. You’re really pretty.” Louis could smell the alcohol on his breath.

Then the wolf kissed him.

Louis felt a great amount of things in that moment: shock at the kiss, worry about this stupid wolf, but mostly surprise at Legosi being a good kisser. He actually leaned into the kiss for a second before his brain caught up, and he remembered that his friend was completely drunk and currently going through a breakup. A wave of self-disgust washed over him.

With a firm push, Louis shoved Legosi off despite the wolf's considerable weight. Thankfully, the canine was inebriated enough that his strength had left him, and he slumped further into the couch, his head rolling back against the cushions. He let out a weak whine, his ears flicking lazily, eyes already fluttering closed. He mumbled something unintelligible about pretty herbivores, his voice slurring as unconsciousness quickly took hold.

Louis remained still, heart pounding, his mind racing through what had just transpired. The taste of cognac lingered on his lips, mixing with an overwhelming confusion. Of all the absurd situations he had found himself in over the years, this had to be one of the more bizarre.

He exhaled sharply and rubbed his temples, forcing himself to push past the immediate shock and focus on the next problem at hand: what in the world was he supposed to do with a massive, deadweight wolf who had just passed out on his couch? There was no way he could move Legosi on his own, not without straining himself and given his recent injuries, that wasn’t an option. Reluctantly, he stood and straightened his disheveled clothes before striding toward the door.

Louis sighed. He was going to need help.

Chapter Text

It was 5:09 AM, and no matter how hard Louis tried, he couldn’t fall asleep anymore. He had spent the last few hours meticulously drafting a baseline business proposal on how a union between the three gangs, under his leadership, could create a profitable and, most importantly, explicitly legal market. Even with rough calculations on how they could secure a steady meat or rather fish supply through Deshico’s fishery contacts, his mind refused to rest. It was all too much at once.

He was deeply grateful that Renauld had agreed to take over as CEO of the conglomerate. If Louis had to manage both that and the delicate balancing act of gang leadership, he would have surely collapsed long ago. As if nearly dying in an explosion and dealing with a blackmailing, unknown enemy weren’t enough, now his personal life had taken an entirely unexpected and unwelcome turn. His drunk best friend had been kicked out by his girlfriend and…

What had Legosi been thinking?

Why had the wolf kissed him?

Sure, Legosi had been unusually grumpy the last time he’d come over for dinner and Miyagi had been there, but nothing had happened, right? And yet, that didn’t explain last night. Legosi had kissed him. It wasn’t just some drunken peck, either. It had been firm, desperate, and, Louis swallowed, objectively, Legosi was a good kisser. Too good. Back when he had just begun exploring his interest in males, he had idly fantasized about Legosi, but those had been nothing more than intrusive thoughts. Now, he felt vaguely predatory for the fact that he had apparently still responded to it.

Legosi had been drunk. Thank Rex, nothing had happened, or Louis would never have forgiven himself. But then, why was he still dwelling on it? He had Miyagi. He had Azuki. Their arrangement was already precarious as it was; any more entanglements would only complicate things beyond reason.

His thoughts continued to spiral in circles. Another glance at the clock. 5:24. Screw it.

He had work to do.

If sleep wouldn’t come, then at the very least, he could be productive. He’d finish refining the proposal, research viable locations, consider legal representation for the entire project, and then have breakfast.

As he got dressed, he hesitated. What was he supposed to do about the kiss? He had to talk to someone, or he would give himself a stroke from the sheer stress of everything.

Azuki was an option. She had been supportive from the beginning, had even encouraged him toward Miyagi. But Azuki had also freely admitted that romance didn’t particularly interest her, so any advice she could offer was likely to be limited.

Miyagi… would be a far better source of guidance. The older wolf was much more experienced in these matters, and he had been incredibly understanding once Louis had laid out the terms of their growing relationship. Still, the stag hesitated. How would Miyagi react? Telling him that Legosi had kissed him, while drunk, no less, probably wouldn’t help the already tense dynamic between the two wolves. And now that Louis thought about it, Legosi’s actions made a whole lot more sense if he had seen him and Miyagi together that night.

Louis shook his head and booted up his laptop. He’d cross that bridge when he got to it.

Louis leaned back into the plush couch, cradling his coffee cup in one hand as he let the warm, bitter aroma ground him. The slight bitterness paired perfectly with the lingering sweetness of the biscuit cake he’d just finished. He was almost reluctant to take another sip, not wanting to wash away the last notes of the rich filling from his palate.

Breakfast had been an almost meditative experience, something he rarely had the luxury to enjoy alone. The quiet hum of the estate, the subtle clinking of silverware against porcelain, and the rustling of newspapers from the staff in the adjacent room all felt oddly soothing. It gave him a moment of normalcy before he had to once again dive into the tangled mess that was his life.

Legosi and Haru. Miyagi. Azuki’s ever-watchful support. It was a Gordian knot of relationships that made his head ache just thinking about it. And yet, the worst part was his own reaction, how, for that single fleeting moment, he’d leaned into Legosi’s drunken kiss. It had been a mistake, clearly, but the fact that it had even happened left him feeling vaguely guilty. He needed guidance, and since Azuki had left early to meet with her father, Miyagi was the obvious choice.

Taking one last sip of his coffee, savoring the warmth that spread through him, Louis set the cup down and reached for his phone. He scrolled through his contacts until he found Miyagi’s name, hesitated only briefly, and then pressed the call button. The line rang twice before a familiar voice answered.

“Louis?” Miyagi’s deep voice carried both warmth and concern. “You’re up early. How are you feeling? I heard about the hospital.”

Louis blinked, taken aback. “You heard?” As far as he knew, the media had mostly focused on Yafya being injured in the explosion.

“Azuki called and left a message. The first part of the script has gone through revisions, so I’ve been at the studio almost non-stop; she still has all the relevant numbers. She sounded worried.”

Louis exhaled. Azuki, always a step ahead. “I should’ve called you earlier,” he admitted. “Things have been... overwhelming.”

Miyagi hummed in understanding. “I figured. You’ve got a full plate lately and I suspect a stay at the hospital wasn’t helpful.”

Louis shifted, gripping the phone a little tighter. “That’s actually part of why I called. I need some relationship advice.”

Miyagi’s tone turned amused. “Oh? Well, I can certainly handle that. Go on.”

Louis took a breath, carefully considering his words. “Legosi and Haru had a huge fight after the attack. Apparently, she gave him an ultimatum: either he gives up his dangerous work and gets a ‘normal’ job, or they’re done. He said no. She stormed out. Now he’s convinced it’s over. He showed up at my door last night asking if he could stay for a few days.”

Miyagi was quiet for a moment before he replied, “Poor guy. That’s rough.”

Louis nodded, even though Miyagi couldn’t see him. “Yeah. He was… upset. Legosi knows about us. He saw us kissing in the garden. He told me after he drank too much. And, well—” He exhaled, deciding to just say it.

“He kissed me.”

The silence on the other end stretched longer this time. Louis felt his stomach knot.

Finally, Miyagi spoke, his voice thoughtful. “Huh. Didn’t think he’d actually go for it.”

“Go for what?” Louis eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Did you do something?”

“Well, during the dinner a while ago we had a little heart-to-heart. I might have implied that he had a crush on you and, well…”

Louis listened intently, his fingers drumming against the armrest of the couch as Miyagi explained his confrontation with Legosi. The older wolf sounded casual, almost amused, but Louis could tell there was an undercurrent of concern.

All of which just had Louis convinced that Miyagi was leaving out a few details.

“So let me get this straight,” Louis said slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You think Legosi’s been obsessed with me this whole time, and I just never noticed?”

Miyagi let out a short chuckle, though it lacked any real humor. “I wouldn’t say ‘obsessed,’ but yeah, he’s been watching you like a hawk. Even when he was supposed to be paying attention to Haru, his focus always drifted back to you. You really never noticed?”

Louis scoffed. “I was a bit preoccupied with, you know, running a business, keeping up appearances, and not getting myself killed. Forgive me if I wasn’t analyzing every glance he threw my way.”

Miyagi hummed in acknowledgment but pressed on. “Look, I’m not trying to be dramatic, but I think this has been brewing for a long time. Maybe even before you got married. It’s not just about the jealousy thing. He genuinely cares about you, more than he’s probably willing to admit to himself. And now? After seeing us together? It must’ve pushed him over the edge.”

Louis exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. “Great. Just what I needed. A society to stabilize, an attempted assassination and now unresolved romantic tension with a drunken, lovesick wolf. Perfect.”

Miyagi laughed at that, leaning back against the cushions. “To be fair, you do attract drama like a magnet.”

Louis rolled his eyes. “Right, because you being in my life is completely devoid of theatrics.”

Miyagi grinned. “Touché. But still, what are you going to do about Legosi?”

That was the question, wasn’t it? Louis had spent the entire morning trying to push the situation aside, hoping he could bury himself in logistics and business dealings. But now, forced to confront it, he realized just how much he didn’t know what to do. Legosi was his closest friend, maybe even closer now than either Haru or Azuki, and now everything was a mess.

As the silence stretched, Miyagi explained his options in his most reasonable voice. “Look, nothing has to come of this. Legosi was drunk, confused, and hurting. He and Haru separated in anger, but once she calms down, they might patch things up again. It’s not set in stone yet.”

Louis exhaled slowly, his fingers still tapping against the armrest as he considered Miyagi’s words. “So what? I just pretend it didn’t happen?” His voice held an edge of frustration, not at Miyagi, but at the entire situation. “Legosi is probably mortified. He likely hasn’t even woken up yet, and when he does, I doubt he’ll want to face me.”

Miyagi gave a noncommittal hum. “The best thing you can do is assure him that you’re not mad about it and that he hasn’t ruined your friendship. From what I can tell, that’s probably what he’s most afraid of.”

Louis sighed, running a hand across his head. “I don’t want to make this any harder on him than it already is, but how do I even bring it up without making things awkward?” The deer leaned back, stretching his arms over the couch before letting them rest against the cushions.

Miyagi chuckled, his voice tinged with amusement. “It’s already awkward, Louis. You just have to make sure it doesn’t turn into something worse. Let him know that you’re still his friend, that nothing between you is broken because of one drunken slip-up. Give him the space to figure himself out.”

Louis frowned. “And what about his feelings? If you’re right, and this has been ‘brewing’ for a while, it’s not just going to go away.”

Miyagi’s smirk faded into something more thoughtful. “That’s why it’s important to let him sort out his life first. He needs to deal with his breakup, figure out where he stands with Haru, and get back on his feet. Any thoughts about where your relationship with him might go? That can wait.”

Louis let out another deep breath, feeling the weight of everything pressing against his shoulders. “You make it sound so simple.”

Miyagi chuckled. “It’s not. But it’s better than jumping headfirst into something neither of you are ready for. I’ve been through a few nasty break-ups myself, and it really helps to clear the air first before you tend to the next crisis.”

Louis nodded slowly. “Alright. I’ll talk to him once he wakes up. I just hope he doesn’t bolt the second he realizes what happened.”

Miyagi sighed. “If he does, at least you’ll know for sure that he remembers.”

Louis rolled his eyes, but despite everything, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, you keep me around.” Louis had never before heard the wolf sound so smug.

Louis shook his head but didn’t reply. There were still too many questions swirling in his mind, too many uncertainties to address, but for now, Miyagi was right, one step at a time.

“I do need to talk to him,” Louis admitted. “I need to set things straight before this festers into something worse.”

Miyagi made an approving noise. “Just don’t be too harsh on him, alright? I think he’s already punishing himself enough as it is.”

Louis sighed. “Yeah. I’ll...figure something out.”

The deer gave him a thoughtful look before changing the subject. “And what about us?”

Miyagi hesitated. “What about us?”

Louis smirked, but there was a seriousness beneath it. “You just found out my best friend might have a thing for me, and he kissed me while drunk. That would make most people jealous. Honestly, I was a bit worried about your reaction.”

It was true that Legosi’s kiss had thrown Louis off balance, not just because it was unexpected, but because of how it had made him feel. He still felt guilty about how, for the briefest of moments, he had leaned into it. But did that mean anything? Miyagi seemed to take the development in stride, at least.

“I…I will admit I’m not exactly jumping off the walls in elation here. I think any wolf with even a spark of self-respect would be a little mad if some pup made moves on his lover but,” the wolf hesitated again and Louis grew concerned. Miyagi was uncharacteristically hesitant; it was very unlike the usually smooth wolf.

“Perhaps it’s because I never really expected monogamy when I agreed to actually date you. When I first met you at Café Champion, I was just looking for another one-night stand,” the wolf sounded almost regretful as he explained his reasoning. “You have Azuki, and I’d never expect you to divorce her. Also, I’m painfully aware that while I don’t intend to sleep with other people, neither of us is in a position to openly commit to each other. I don’t feel like I have the right to monopolize your affection, and I knew that this would be the case even before I agreed to this relationship.”

Was Louis imagining things or was Miyagi’s breathing growing heavier?

“I guess I got a little jealous. I’m… concerned that I can’t offer you enough. You’re richer than me, your career is certainly more important than mine and Legosi knows you for much longer than I do. I’m sorry about this, but when I confronted Legosi about his interest in you I assumed he was your highschool sweetheart. It’s why I teased him by suggesting I'd be interested in a threesome, if he wasn’t already engaged to Haru.” The wolf explained himself in a rush, for once sounding like he’d rather be anywhere else.

Louis almost missed that last part before his brain caught up.

“You offered Legosi WHAT?!”

The wolf hastily backpedaled. “Well, not in those words. I implied that I could make a few suggestions to you. That’s when he turned tail and fled.”

“I wanted to tell you in the garden, but your lion interrupted us. I was under the impression that you just had a thing for grey wolves.” Miyagi explained desperately, his words spilling forth like a waterfall.

Legosi, Juno, Miyagi… maybe the older wolf had a point there?

For a moment Louis thought he could feel Legosi’s lips on his again and quashed the thought. Oh no, no, no. None of that, this was already enough of a mess. If he added another complication Louis would surely combust from stress.

The deer collected himself and took a deep, steadying breath. “We’ll talk about that later once I got this mess sorted out. It’s OK; you couldn’t have foreseen all of this. Just, next time, talk to me before you jump to conclusions? Give me a little credit here.”

“Of course Louis,” to the deer’s relief, the wolf sounded much calmer now. “I’ll give you anything you want.”

They sat in companionable silence for a few moments before Miyagi spoke again. “I should let you go. You’ve got a long day ahead of you. And, you know, a certain wolf to talk to.”

Louis groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

The wolf just chuckled, damn him. “Call me later? I can see the director coming over and I think Pina is getting ready for his trial run for the trailer scene.”

After Miyagi hung up, Louis took a moment to collect himself. Next on the itinerary was talking to Haru. She might not want to talk to Legosi, but surely talking to him would be fine?

Louis pressed the phone to his ear, listening to the soft ring on the other end of the line. He wasn’t entirely sure if Haru would even pick up. When she finally did, her voice was calm but clipped, her usual warmth buried under layers of exhaustion and lingering frustration.

“Oh, Louis. This is a surprise,” she said, though it was clear she wasn’t thrilled to hear from him.

“Hey, Haru. I hope I’m not calling at a bad time.”

There was a slight pause before she responded, “No, it’s fine. Just finishing up some work at the gardens.”

Louis let her take the lead, allowing her to speak about the Cherryton Botanical Gardens, her latest projects, and a new hybrid plant she had been cultivating. She even mentioned how her younger sister had recently visited, how their mother was delighted by her latest grandchild. He listened patiently, noting how she steered the conversation away from anything remotely close to Legosi.

But he wasn’t calling just for pleasantries.

Carefully, he shifted the conversation. “Haru… I saw Legosi yesterday.”

There was silence on the other end of the line. Then, Haru exhaled sharply. “Oh?”

“He came to my place late last night. He’s not doing well. At all.”

Her voice cooled considerably. “I see.”

Louis leaned forward in his chair, pressing his fingers to his temple. “Haru, listen. I know you’re angry, and you have every right to be. But the way things ended between you two… I don’t think either of you really wanted it to go like that.”

“Louis,” she interrupted, voice tight. “Do you have any idea what it’s like? To love someone and feel like you’re always second place to their self-destruction? I asked him for one thing. One. Thing. To choose something safer, something that didn’t make me constantly fear for his life. And what did he do? He dismissed me like I was being unreasonable. Like I didn’t matter.”

Louis sighed. “You do matter, Haru. And Legosi knows that. I don’t think he meant to dismiss you.”

“Then what did he mean?” she snapped. “Because from where I stood, it looked like he’d rather chase danger than build a life with me. He doesn’t even know what he wants! One minute he’s lost, the next he’s throwing himself into one reckless situation after another. How am I supposed to be with someone like that? Someone who won’t even meet me halfway?”

Louis let her words settle, absorbing the pain in her voice. This was more than just anger; it was years of worry, of helplessness, of loving someone who was constantly teetering on the edge of disaster. He couldn’t even blame her for feeling this way; if Louis was more domestically inclined he might even agree.

“I won’t pretend to have all the answers,” he admitted. “But I do know this—Legosi is miserable without you. And I don’t think either of you really got the closure you deserve. At least talk to him, Haru. Not to fix things, not unless you want to, but so that you both don’t carry this bitterness forever. Don’t let anger be the last thing between you.”

A long silence stretched between them. Louis almost wondered if she had hung up, but then she exhaled, a softer, resigned sound this time.

“You’re too good at this, you know that? I hate it when you win arguments.”

Louis allowed himself a small, relieved smile. “I only win when I’m right.”

She made a disgruntled noise before finally relenting. “Fine. Noon tomorrow, at the park. If he shows up, we’ll talk. But that’s all I’m promising.”

“That’s all I ask.”

“Good. And Louis?”

“Yeah?”

“Tell him not to be an idiot. If he insists on being stupid he needs someone to keep his head on straight.”

Louis chuckled. “I’ll pass along the message.”

After they exchanged goodbyes, he hung up, exhaling deeply. One part of the mess, at least, seemed to be on its way to resolution. He glanced at the time and frowned. Legosi really should have been up by now. With a sigh, he stood and made his way toward the guest rooms, stopping by the kitchen first to grab a bottle of water. If the wolf’s hangover was as bad as Louis expected, he was going to need it.

Louis knocked firmly on the door to Legosi’s guest room and waited. Silence. He frowned and knocked again, harder this time, but still received no response. With an exasperated sigh, he turned the handle and stepped inside.

The room was shrouded in darkness, the thick curtains drawn tight over the windows. A heavy, oppressive stillness filled the space, broken only by the faint rustling of fabric. As Louis’s eyes adjusted, he spotted the lump beneath a mountain of blankets and pillows on the bed. A faint whine emanated from the pile, and Louis smirked.

“Well, well,” he drawled, stepping further into the room. “Would you look at that? Someone’s regretting their life choices.”

A barely intelligible groan rose from the mound. Louis rolled his eyes before marching over to the window, yanking the drapes open with a dramatic flourish. Sunlight spilled into the room, casting long, golden rays across the bed. The mass of blankets jerked in protest, and another miserable groan followed.

“Come on, get up,” Louis said, amusement clear in his tone. “Unless you plan on living under there permanently.”

Legosi made a low, pathetic sound but didn’t move. Louis sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. He peeled back the layers of fabric until he uncovered a mess of rumpled fur and disheveled hair. Legosi squinted up at him, looking utterly wretched.

“Here.” Louis handed him a cold bottle of water. “Drink. It’ll help.”

Legosi took the bottle hesitantly but obediently tilted it back, draining half of it in a few gulps. Louis watched as the wolf wiped his mouth on the back of his hand before hesitating, gaze flickering toward the deer but not quite meeting his eyes.

“So…” Legosi started hesitantly, voice rough from sleep and likely dehydration. “I, uh… Did I do anything weird last night?”

Louis raised an eyebrow, watching Legosi’s face carefully. Was he genuinely unsure, or was this an attempt to skirt around the inevitable conversation? Either way, it was a transparent attempt to give both of them an easy out.

Louis leaned forward slightly, fingers steepled together. “Are you asking about the kiss?”

Legosi flinched. It was small, barely perceptible, but Louis caught it. The wolf seemed to shrink into himself, ears flattened against his head, tail curling inward. A moment later, he was already scrambling for words.

“I—I’m sorry,” Legosi stammered. “I don’t know what came over me. I was drunk, and—I mean, I wasn’t thinking, and—”

Louis sighed, cutting him off with a raised hand. “Relax, Legosi. I’m not mad.”

The wolf blinked up at him, red-rimmed eyes wary.

Louis shook his head. “You’re acting like I’m about to exile you or something. I’m not going to stop being your friend over this. There’s no need to beat yourself up over this.”

Legosi swallowed and finally nodded, though he still seemed tense. Louis softened slightly. He had no intention of making this harder than it needed to be. If anything, he sympathized. Legosi had been through a lot in the past few days, and now his personal life was in shambles.

Louis exhaled and decided to shift the focus to something more pressing. “Listen, I called Haru.”

Legosi stiffened. “You what?”

“I called Haru,” Louis repeated firmly. “You two left things in anger, and that’s not how this should end, no matter what happens next. You need to talk.”

Legosi immediately averted his gaze, ears twitching uncomfortably. His fingers reached for the engagement ring still resting on his finger, turning it anxiously. “I don’t know if she even wants to see me.”

“She does,” Louis countered. “She agreed to meet you at the park tomorrow at noon. I didn’t ask her to forgive you, Legosi. I just asked her to talk to you. You owe that to each other.”

Legosi’s jaw clenched. He looked like he wanted to argue, but the fight drained out of him as quickly as it had come. “I don’t want things to end,” he admitted quietly.

Louis’s expression softened. “No one does,” he said gently. “But sometimes, they do anyway. And if that happens, wouldn’t you rather part on clearer terms than… this?”

Legosi swallowed hard, gripping the water bottle between his hands. His ears twitched toward Louis but didn’t lift from their droop. The wolf took a long, steadying breath, then exhaled.

“Alright,” he murmured. “I’ll go.”

Louis nodded, satisfied. “Good. Now, drink more water,” Louis instructed, smirking slightly. “You still look like death.”

Legosi huffed but rolled his eyes, the barest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips when Louis straightened up, brushing off his trousers as he cast the wolf an appraising look. “You know,” Louis said, his tone laced with amusement, “for someone so drunk, you were surprisingly good at it.”

Legosi froze, ears twitching violently as his fur bristled. “W-what?!”

Louis smirked at his reaction, folding his arms. “The kiss. You may have been a drunken mess, but I have to admit, you’ve got some natural talent. Who knew?”

The wolf let out a strangled noise somewhere between a whimper and a groan, his face burning beneath his fur. “Louis! Please!” he hissed, gripping the blanket in his lap like it was the only thing keeping him from imploding. “I’m already mortified, don’t make it worse!”

Louis chuckled, but seeing how utterly miserable Legosi looked, he relented. “Alright, alright. I’ll stop,” he said, raising his hands in surrender. “But you get my point, don’t you? No hard feelings. You don’t need to grovel like I’m about to exile you.”

Legosi sighed, finally daring to glance at him. “Thanks, Louis. I really mean it.”

Louis gave a single nod before turning toward the door. Before he could leave, however, Legosi’s phone buzzed loudly against the bedside table. Both of them glanced at it, the name flashing on the screen instantly catching Louis’s attention.

Yafya.

Legosi hesitated for only a second before snatching it up. “Hello?”

Louis lingered by the door, half-tempted to leave and give Legosi his privacy, but curiosity kept his feet planted where they were. He could only hear Legosi’s side of the conversation, but even that was enough to pique his interest.

“Yafya? You’re awake? …Yeah, I’m—” Legosi hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck, “I’m fine. What’s up?”

There was a pause, Legosi’s expression shifting into something more serious.

“…Something important?” Legosi’s brow furrowed, his tail flicking with unease. “Alright, when?”

Another pause, shorter this time. Legosi exhaled and nodded to himself. “Got it. I’ll be there soon.”

He hung up, glancing at Louis with a mixture of relief and apprehension. “Yafya’s awake again. He says he has something important to tell us.”

Louis tilted his head slightly, intrigued. “Important how?”

Legosi shook his head. “He didn’t say, just that we need to meet up soon.”

Louis considered that for a moment before making a decision. “I’ll go.”

Legosi blinked, surprised. “You don’t have to. I can—”

Louis cut him off with a pointed look. “No, you should stay here. Get some rest, eat something that isn’t just regret and water, and actually take a moment to breathe for once.”

Legosi frowned, obviously reluctant. “But—”

Louis held up a hand. “No buts. You’ve been through enough in the past twenty-four hours. You need to relax, Legosi. Just for one day. I’ll handle this.”

The wolf hesitated, clearly torn between duty and exhaustion. In the end, however, his shoulders sagged in surrender. “Fine,” he muttered, rubbing his eyes. “But keep me updated. If anything seems off, I want to know immediately.”

Louis nodded. “Of course.”

With that settled, he turned to leave, but before stepping out into the hall, he spotted Yuta standing near the entrance of the guest wing, the ever-dutiful butler waiting attentively. Louis gestured him over.

“Yuta, see to it that Legosi is taken care of today. Make sure he eats properly, and if he even thinks about wallowing all day, do me a favor and pester him until he gets up and moves.”

Yuta inclined his head slightly. “As you wish, Master Louis.”

Louis smirked and glanced back at Legosi, who was eyeing him with suspicion. “Try to enjoy your day off,” he said, before striding out of the room, already shifting his focus to whatever Yafya had in store for him.

Louis noted that he’d grown quite sick of hospitals after his latest stay, quickly working his way through the sterile hallways, constantly surrounded by the faint smell of antiseptics. The bright white lights above did nothing to improve his mood, and he found himself walking a little faster, eager to be done with the visit.

As he neared Yafya’s room, he quickly noticed that there was no guard posted outside. That, more than anything else, confirmed his suspicions—Yafya had indeed fallen out of favor with the powers that be. The implications of that fact settled heavily in Louis’s mind. He hoped the horse had the good sense to employ a few of his rats for protection. Many larger species underestimated the rodents, but they were stealthy and effective, and right now, Yafya could use every advantage he could get.

Pushing the door open, Louis stepped inside and took in the sight before him. Yafya lay propped up in the hospital bed, his right leg suspended in a cast. The sight made Louis suppress a wince. Yafya had already struggled with that leg before—this injury would only accelerate the inevitable decline of his fighting ability. If his suspicions were correct, he and Legosi would have to shoulder the entirety of their combined duties from now on. The realization sat uneasily with him, but he kept his expression neutral.

“Enjoying the view, Louis?” Yafya’s voice was sharp, cutting through Louis’s thoughts.

Louis arched a brow, unruffled. “Just thinking that this means you’ll be off your feet for a while. Which, frankly, sounds like a nightmare for you.”

Yafya scowled. “No kidding.” He shifted slightly in the bed, visibly irritated by his situation. “But let’s skip the small talk. My rats got their hands on some important information.”

Louis leaned in, listening intently as Yafya continued. “They managed to retrieve most of the data Rivers had been working on from his apartment. Not only that, they’ve been keeping an eye on the police investigation. Turns out the explosion at the café was caused by a car bomb.”

Louis’s ears twitched at that, but he interrupted before Yafya could go on. “How are Rivers and Darth?”

At that, Yafya’s expression darkened. His usual sharp demeanor faltered, and for a moment, he looked uncharacteristically weary. Louis saw the exhaustion in his eyes before the horse shook it off, forcing himself back into his usual businesslike tone.

“The bomb was planted under my car,” Yafya said, his voice quieter now. “It went off when Rivers and Darth tried to drive away.”

Louis felt his breath hitch, a cold wave settling in his gut. He stared at Yafya, the weight of the words sinking in. “…They didn’t make it?”

Yafya shook his head. “No.”

Silence stretched between them for a few beats. Louis swallowed hard, his fingers tightening into fists before he forced himself to relax. He hadn’t known either of them as well as Yafya had, but they had been good, competent people. And now they were gone, just like that.

Yafya sighed, rubbing his temple. “I’ll handle communication with their families. I knew them the longest, so it’s only right.” He exhaled sharply before fixing Louis with a serious look. “In the meantime, I need you and Legosi to find out who attacked us. I assume the attack was meant for me since it was my car, and since I got to the Café in one piece it had to have been planted there. More importantly, you need to keep the investigation alive while I’m stuck in this place.”

Louis nodded, already shifting his focus to the task ahead. “Where do we start?”

“River’s chief assistant, Priscilla,” Yafya said. “She was the closest to his work and should be able to explain the most important parts of his research. Talk to her. Rivers sounded really excited and talked about a breakthrough; he left me a message in the middle of the night.”

Louis considered mentioning the false nurse who had appeared at the hospital before, the one who had injected Legosi with something that miraculously healed him. But after a moment, he decided against it. He still didn’t have the full picture, and the last thing he wanted was to drag Legosi into unnecessary danger while they were still in the dark.

Instead, he gave Yafya a firm nod. “Understood.”

Yafya studied him for a moment, then seemed satisfied. “Good. Now get out of here.”

Louis smirked faintly. “Charming as always.”

With that, he turned and left the room, his mind already running through their next steps. At the very least, they had a direction. Now it was just a matter of uncovering the truth before whoever was behind this struck again.

Chapter Text

As he climbed out of an inconspicuous rental car, Louis thought that he would have liked a little more time to prepare for this meeting. The late afternoon air was thick with fog, an unpleasant mixture of wet and cold that clung to his fur. It smelled like rain. He exhaled sharply, watching his breath swirl in the chill as his lions quickly ushered him toward a hidden back entrance of the seedy bar. The building itself was unremarkable, just another dimly lit, run-down establishment in this part of town, but the people inside were anything but.

His fake antlers sat firmly on his head, a necessary deception now that his wounds had healed enough to bear the weight. He wouldn’t allow his injuries to shadow these negotiations. The last thing he needed was to look fragile in front of these two.

Two lions flanked him: Dolph, the Shishigumi’s unofficial vice-leader, and Dope, their trusted negotiator. They moved with a casual air of control, but Louis knew both of them were sharp, watching everything. Outside the back room, their fellow lions stood in an unspoken standoff with the guards of the two rival gangs: the Dokugumi’s komodos and the Inarigumi’s vixens. The tension was thick, but for now, no one was stupid enough to make the first move.

The room itself was small, dimly lit, and held the heavy scent of aged wood, alcohol, and lingering tobacco smoke. Savon, the leader of the Dokugumi, sat calmly at the far end of the table, long fingers curled around a glass of expensive liquor. The komodo’s reptilian gaze betrayed nothing, his scaled face unreadable.

Across from him, Ten, leader of the Inarigumi, idly fanned herself with an intricately patterned silk fan; she wore her gang’s customary qipao dress, elegant, refined, and dangerous, much like the woman herself.

As Louis entered, he braced himself for recognition. Ever since his appointment as Beastar, his face had been all over the media. He’d put off revealing himself as long as possible, using Dolph and Dope as proxies in the lead-up to these negotiations. But now, there was no hiding.

Savon barely reacted. If he was surprised, he didn’t show it. Ten, however, visibly tensed. Her fan froze mid-motion, and her golden eyes widened in unmistakable shock.

“You’ve got to be—” she said, her voice laced with incredulity.

Louis met her gaze evenly.

She let out a quiet scoff, shaking her head. “I thought I recognized you,” she admitted, her ears twitching in mild irritation. “But I convinced myself that it couldn’t be the same deer. That would have been too ridiculous.”

Louis offered a polite, neutral smile. “We're living in strange times, aren't we?”

Ten’s expression soured. “I’d call them deeply inconvenient. So, what is this? Some kind of elaborate joke?” She flicked her fan open again with a sharp motion, her tone edged with suspicion. “Two down-on-their-luck gang leaders being strung along by a glorified government lapdog?”

The two vixens at her side shifted uncomfortably, exchanging wary glances. The komodos flanking Savon, however, remained as still as their leader. Savon, for his part, swirled his drink slowly before finally speaking.

“I assume you have a compelling reason for revealing yourself to us now, Louis.” His voice was quiet but deliberate, his forked tongue flickering slightly as he spoke. “Until now, you’ve used your subordinates for every exchange. Yet today, you come in person.” He took a measured sip of his drink. “Why?”

Louis exhaled slowly and took his seat at the table, Dope and Dolph standing slightly behind him. He adjusted his cuffs and met their gazes steadily.

“Because what I’m about to propose is too important to be relayed through messengers,” he said.

Ten folded her arms, unimpressed. “Let me guess. You want us to hear some grand speech about unity and cooperation?” Her fan snapped shut with a flick of her wrist. “If that’s all this is, I don’t know whether to be insulted or bored.”

Louis smirked. “It’s about survival.”

That, at least, made her pause.

“The Black Market is in ruins, and you both know it. We either rebuild it, or we let outsiders take it from us.”

In the end, the market was a business like any other: eliminating the supply didn’t get rid of the demand. Someone would fill the gap eventually, and Louis wanted that someone to be himself.

Savon tapped a single claw against his glass, considering. “And I assume you have a plan for this… rebuilding?”

Ten’s ears flicked, betraying the first hints of genuine interest.

Louis nodded. “A structured council. No more constant infighting, no more fragile alliances that crumble the moment someone sees an opportunity. A unified front.”

Savon tilted his head slightly, considering. Ten, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes.

“You’re asking us to form an alliance,” Savon said. It wasn’t a question.

Louis nodded. “I’m asking you to invest in the Black Market’s survival.”

Ten scoffed. “What a diplomatic way of saying you want us to hand over control.”

“I want us to rebuild it properly. Together. The three of us have more to gain from stabilizing the current situation than watching the slow collapse of the few remaining holdouts that managed to survive.” He met Ten’s gaze. “Unless you’d rather wait and see who rises from the wreckage?”

She clicked her tongue but didn’t immediately argue.

Savon studied Louis in silence before speaking again. “You’re placing a great deal of trust in the idea that we’d agree to this.”

Louis gave him a small smile. “I’m placing trust in the idea that you’re both too pragmatic to reject your only realistic option left.”

The room was quiet for a long moment. Then, finally, Ten sighed, unfolding her fan again and waving it lazily in front of her face.

“I don’t like this,” she muttered. “I don’t like you.”

Louis smirked. “You don’t have to like a man to take his money, Ten.”

Ten shot him a glare, but there was less heat behind it than before.

Savon set his glass down with a quiet clink. “I’ll listen. But I expect details.”

Louis folded his hands neatly on the table, his expression calm but firm. “If this plan moves forward, I’ll be the one with the most influence over the rebuilt market. I won’t pretend otherwise.” His tone was smooth, even. “That’s simply the reality of the situation. I’m the one with the money, the political leverage, and the ability to push this through. You two, while certainly invaluable in terms of experience and connections, are operating at a severe disadvantage.”

Ten’s fan snapped shut with a sharp click. Her ears twitched, her lips curling slightly in irritation. “That’s a very polite way of calling us broke,” she muttered.

Louis didn’t bother to deny it. “You are,” he said plainly. “The Inarigumi and the Dokugumi are both struggling. You’ve been barely scraping by on whatever remains from the collapse of the old market. If you had the resources to fix this on your own, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Ten bristled, but before she could launch into a retort, Savon gave a slow nod. “He’s not wrong,” the komodo said, his voice as placid as ever. “The Madaragumi’s remaining funds have run dry and we’re left using whatever we could salvage from the market’s ruins.” He swirled his drink idly, watching the liquid move.

Louis raised a brow. Savon’s candor was… surprising. The komodo’s unflappable demeanor had led him to expect more resistance, perhaps a diversion, an attempt to keep him guessing.

“You’re being very open about your financial troubles,” Louis observed, narrowing his eyes. “That’s not exactly normal for someone in your position.”

Savon’s lips curled slightly in what could have been amusement, or perhaps just another calculated move. “Going by your negotiator’s remarks at the last meeting you already seem to have a decent idea of our current status. If you were planning to use it against us, you would have done so already,” he said smoothly. “And if you get too greedy, we can always decline. Or…” He paused just long enough for the weight of his words to settle. “We could tell Yafya and Legosi about what you’re doing.”

Louis felt his jaw tighten instinctively, but he forced himself to remain outwardly unaffected.

He had expected some leverage plays, but that was a particularly well-aimed shot. He knew full well that neither Yafya nor Legosi would react kindly to his plans. Yafya, in particular, would outright reject them on principle alone. The old stallion was too rigid, too set in his ways. Legosi… Legosi was disgusted by most of what the market stood for. Louis didn’t doubt that the wolf would take the stallion’s side as things stood now.

But the deer also knew that, at the end of the day, there was no animal Legosi trusted more than Louis. Time after time, Legosi had allowed Louis’s word to override even his own better judgement.

The stag felt confident that, in time, he could bring the wolf around to his way of thinking or, failing that, at least convince him to give the endeavor a chance after enduring his outrage. But that required control over the narrative, something he wouldn’t have if Savon and Ten got impatient.

Still, he couldn’t let them see him flinch.

Louis exhaled slowly. “And what would that accomplish?” he asked, tilting his head slightly. “If this operation gets exposed before it’s even off the ground, then none of us get what we want.”

Savon’s smile remained. “Exactly. That just means we’re in the same boat, doesn’t it?”

Louis suppressed the urge to scowl. Savon had boxed him in neatly, and the worst part was that he couldn’t even be upset about it. It was good strategy, if one bet on the assumption that Louis truly wanted this project to happen at any cost.

After a beat of silence, he gave a small nod. “Fine,” he conceded. “I’m sure you’ll find my conditions reasonable.”

With that matter settled, he gestured for Dope to step forward. The negotiator produced a sleek folder, opening it and laying out several pages onto the table: blueprints, financial projections, early-stage logistical plans.

“I’ll be blunt,” Louis began, “I’m no architect. But I do know how to run numbers, how to structure an operation, and how to make something profitable. This plan is still in its early stages, but it’s viable.” He tapped the documents in front of them. “The market won’t be rebuilt in the shadows. It’s going to be an official project.”

Savon’s fingers paused on his glass. His usual stillness gave way to a faint but visible frown. Ten, on the other hand, nearly dropped her fan.

“What?” the vixen snapped. “You want to make it official? That’s insane. You seriously think the mayor, the city council, the media, anyone, is going to let that happen?”

Louis met her incredulous glare without flinching. “Not if we called it the ‘New Black Market’ or something equally blatant, no,” he admitted. “But that’s not what we’re doing.” He leaned back slightly. “It will officially be called the Cherryton Oceanfront Modernization Plan for Accessible Shelter and Sustainability.”

A beat of silence.

Ten blinked. “The what?”

Savon simply stared at him, unreadable.

Louis allowed himself a small smirk. “In short, we disguise the market’s revival as a large-scale redevelopment initiative. Something that looks like an infrastructure and housing project. Something backed by ‘charitable’ efforts and investment.”

“I also happen to own the companies that will be doing the investing,” Louis couldn’t quite suppress a smirk “as well as several media outfits that will handle the heavy lifting in the realm of public relations.”

His title as Beastar would also come in handy; Louis doubted that he’d even need to explicitly instruct the papers’ editors to write glowing articles about his latest project. He’d probably make the cover of SAFARI again once the project was announced.

Ten’s brows furrowed as she processed the information. Then she let out a short laugh, disbelieving but vaguely impressed. “You’re telling me you want to rebuild the market under the guise of some philanthropic endeavor?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” After all, the fact that he actually intended the reborn market to serve a vital function was very much part of his plan to browbeat a certain wolf into going along with it.

Savon leaned forward slightly, examining the documents with renewed interest. His clawed fingers tapped idly against the paper. “And you believe you can actually sell this to the city?”

Louis nodded. “I can.” His voice was confident, unwavering. “Because this project won’t just be a front. It will be real. The city will get affordable housing for those displaced by the Black Market’s destruction. The area will be modernized. It won’t just be an underground den of crime anymore, it’ll be a hub. An economic asset.” He glanced at both of them. “That’s the price of survival. If you want your organizations to endure, they have to evolve.”

Ten scoffed, but there was no immediate rejection. Savon… simply watched.

Louis steepled his fingers and exhaled slowly, allowing the weight of his next words to settle over the table before he spoke. “Let me be clear,” he began, his voice steady but firm. “I understand that your businesses operate in… morally gray areas.” Another fitting label would be ‘wildly illegal’, depending on who you asked. Then again, Louis wasn’t asking.

“I’m not here to erase that. However,” he glanced between them, “certain activities are simply no longer acceptable. If we’re going to make this work, there will be lines that cannot be crossed.”

Ten arched a brow, clearly intrigued but still guarded. Savon, as expected, remained unreadable, though his claws drummed lazily against the table in a slow, rhythmic pattern.

“Livestock rings,” Louis stated flatly. “Gone. If I find out about one under your command, I will burn it to the ground myself.”

Ten gave a slight nod, her expression more neutral than anything. Savon’s fingers stopped tapping, but he said nothing.

“Blackmail, kidnapping, drug dealing,” Louis continued, letting his sharp gaze linger on Ten for a moment longer than necessary. “Those are also off the table. I don’t care how effective they may be as leverage tools or how profitable they are, we cannot afford them anymore.”

That finally got a reaction. Ten’s ear twitched, but rather than argue, she let out an amused huff. “You say that like I personally oversee every bad decision my girls make,” she said, resting her chin on her hand. “Some of them do it on their own. If a worker in one of my establishments gets creative about making a little extra cash, I can’t stop them.”

Louis narrowed his eyes. “Then make it clear to them that blackmail is no longer part of the business.”

Ten waved her silk fan dismissively, though her smirk was lighter now, less biting. “Fine, fine. It’s not like it was ever a core part of the Inarigumi anyway.”

“Which brings me to my next point,” Louis said, sitting up straighter. “What is your core business? What are the things your gang simply cannot do without?”

Ten finally relaxed completely, folding her arms in front of her. “Most of what we do is technically legal,” she admitted. “Bars, gambling, pleasure houses, you name it. None of them had proper permits back in the old market, but the businesses themselves? Nothing illegal about them.”

Louis nodded. That was better than he’d expected. “That’s workable,” he said. “If you can keep it clean and keep the worst elements out, I can make sure you have the necessary licenses this time around.”

The vixen’s ears perked slightly. “That easy, huh?”

Louis smiled faintly. “Officially, I’ll simply be advocating for an ‘entertainment district’ as part of the redevelopment.”

Ten tilted her head, intrigued. “Huh. Ten, queen of the pleasure district. I like the sound of that.”

Louis let that settle before turning his attention to Savon. The komodo had been listening intently, his reptilian gaze giving nothing away. “And you?” Louis prompted.

Savon inclined his head slightly. “Smuggling, mostly,” he admitted. “A variety of goods. We also produce and sell poison, ours and others’. Traditional medicines, some of which require animal parts. And, of course, explosives.”

Louis nodded slowly. He had suspected as much. Some of those enterprises, he already knew from his own time in the market. “Smuggling stays,” he said. “Though there will need to be restrictions. Certain high-risk goods, hard drugs, certain weapons, will be off-limits.”

Savon gave no reaction to that, merely listening.

“The medicines…” Louis trailed off, exhaling. “That one’s tricky.”

Savon’s gaze didn’t waver. “Because of the animal parts.”

“Exactly.” Louis tapped his fingers against the table. “Legally speaking, they’re difficult to defend. You’ll need to put pressure on your pharmacists to find alternatives where possible. If there’s no alternative, then at minimum, we’re eliminating anything that results in permanent damage to donors. I hate relying on those legal loopholes at all, but at least here it won’t be of critical importance.”

Savon gave a slow, deliberate nod. “That can be arranged.”

Louis watched him for a moment longer, trying to gauge whether the komodo was being entirely honest. Savon’s reptilian nature gave him a better poker face than most. It was difficult; even after meeting Legosi’s grandfather Louis found reptiles hard to read. But at the very least, there was no immediate resistance.

“The poison trade,” Louis continued, shifting gears. “That one has potential. There are legitimate industrial applications: pest control, chemical research, certain industrial corrosives. It can be restructured into something marketable.” He gave Savon a pointed look. “That’s where I’ll be looking to connect you with buyers. But this requires your people to adapt.”

Savon considered that for a moment, then nodded. “That’s manageable. We don’t particularly care what our poison is used for as long as the price is right.”

Louis exhaled, bracing himself for the most difficult part of the conversation. “Which leaves the explosives.”

That, finally, got a reaction. Savon’s fingers curled slightly over the rim of his glass, his stillness somehow heavier than before. Even Ten watched more closely now.

“Explosives are…” Louis hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “Difficult. Technically, there are legal applications, construction, mining, but neither is a particularly large market.”

Savon didn’t speak.

Louis frowned slightly, considering alternatives. Before he could offer any, however, Savon leaned back slightly. “We can downsize,” the komodo offered.

Louis blinked. “You’re willing to scrap weaponization?”

Savon gave a small nod. “The knowledge can be repurposed.” His claws tapped the table once. “Construction, mining and fireworks should cover most of it.”

Ten raised a brow, clearly surprised, but said nothing.

Louis tilted his head slightly. It was… an unexpected concession. But one he was willing to work with.

“That could work,” he admitted. “If you can get your people to transition to it, we can find avenues for distribution. The rebuilding effort itself will certainly require a few demolitions.”

Savon smirked faintly. “We’ll adapt.”

Louis exhaled, leaning back in his seat. That was more progress than he had expected in a single meeting. There were still details to iron out, but the foundation was there.

There was, however, one more major area of concern. They had danced around it long enough.

Louis clasped his hands together, his gaze steady as he prepared to broach the topic that had loomed over their negotiations like a storm cloud.

“The meat trade,” he said, and just like that, the atmosphere in the room shifted.

Savon took a slow sip of his drink, his expression unreadable as always, but Louis caught the faintest flicker of interest in his reptilian eyes. Ten, on the other hand, let out a small huff, closing her fan with a sharp flick of her wrist.

It was the core of the Black Market, the real reason carnivores had risked coming here, and they all knew it.

Louis leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping against the edge of the table. “There are going to be problems with supply,” he continued. “Some sources were legally gray, hospital donations, funeral centers. Others…” He let that sentence hang, the weight of implication heavy in the air.

Ten rolled her eyes. “Yes, yes, we’ve dealt with those problems for years now,” she said impatiently. “What we want to know is how much meat will be available when the market reopens.”

Louis met her gaze and delivered his response bluntly. “None.”

The silence that followed was immediate and suffocating.

Ten’s ears flicked up sharply, her tail bristling as she sat up straight. “Excuse me?” she said, her voice laced with incredulity.

Even Savon’s calm mask wavered for a fraction of a second, a barely perceptible furrow appearing in his brow.

Louis remained unshaken. He had anticipated this reaction. He let them sit with it for a moment before continuing, his voice measured but unwavering.

“For the first phase, no meat will be sold in the market at all,” he repeated.

Ten scoffed, disbelief and irritation flickering across her face. “Then what’s the point?” she demanded. “The Black Market is the meat trade. That’s why carnivores come to it in the first place! Without it, there is no market.”

Savon didn’t immediately voice his disagreement, but his claw tapped once against his glass, a slow, deliberate gesture that spoke volumes.

Louis exhaled through his nose, expecting the resistance but determined to see this through. “I understand your frustration,” he said. “But you both know as well as I do that the legality of meat consumption is hanging by a thread. If someone—anyone—in power decides to close the loophole, we lose everything overnight.”

Ten opened her mouth to argue, but she hesitated.

Louis pressed on. “Right now, our position is too vulnerable. We need to solidify our control first, ensure that the market has a firm foundation before we bring meat back into the equation. Otherwise, all it takes is one shift in public sentiment, one well-placed law, and we’re done.”

Savon frowned slightly, setting his glass down. “Then what will be available?”

Louis leaned forward. “Fish.”

Ten made a face like he had just insulted her entire lineage.

Savon’s frown deepened, but not in anger, rather in thought. “Fish is not commercially available,” he pointed out. “The land and ocean governments have yet to reach a trade agreement.”

Louis nodded. “Which is why your smuggling operations will be vital moving forward.” He turned his gaze to Savon. “Your komodos will transport meat to the docks, where it will be traded with my ocean contacts in exchange for fish. Officially, this will be a simple private transaction brokered by the Horns Conglomerate; we’ll take advantage of the fact that the legal framework has already gone into effect. Needless to say, the meat portion of the trade has to be kept off the record for now.”

Savon tapped a claw against his glass again, considering.

Ten, meanwhile, folded her arms, unimpressed. “I don’t like it,” she declared. “Caving to society’s pressure like this, it’s the opposite of what the market stood for, crime notwithstanding.”

Savon inclined his head slightly in agreement. “It is also needlessly complicated,” he added. “Exchanging one type of meat for fish, which, at its core, is simply another form of animal flesh.”

Louis smirked. “You’re absolutely right.”

Both gang leaders blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

Louis exhaled, his expression darkening slightly. “I hate how two-faced this society is when it comes to carnivores. They only tolerate fish consumption because herbivores don’t see them as kin. If those same fish had fur or wings, you’d never see them on a menu.” His fingers curled slightly against the table. “It’s hypocrisy, plain and simple.”

“That’s why, in the long run, I intend to legalize and regulate the consumption of meat.”

Ten’s jaw nearly dropped, her usual sharp wit momentarily failing her. Savon’s reptilian gaze sharpened, his body unnaturally still.

“That’s…” Ten finally found her voice. “That’s insane.”

Savon didn’t immediately agree, but his expression betrayed his skepticism. “You are aware,” he said slowly, “that this goes against the entire current flow of society?”

Louis merely smiled. “I’ve always enjoyed a challenge.”

Ten scoffed, but there was something new in her expression, something that wasn’t quite disdain. “Even if that wasn’t a fantasy, it would take years,” she said. “Decades, even.”

Louis nodded. “Probably. But I’m prepared for that.” His gaze turned steely. “I will drag this obstinate society into the future, whether it wants to come or not. Taxidermy was illegal too, once upon a time. If people can accept turning corpses into puppets, they can be maneuvered into accepting meat as legitimate food.”

The weight of his words hung heavy in the room.

Savon studied him carefully, his gaze piercing. Then, slowly, a small, knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You certainly don’t think small.”

Louis returned the smirk. “I never have.”

Sometimes, Louis wondered what his life might have been like if he had been born a carnivore. He’d always envied their natural strength, even when he’d tried to rationalize or justify his envy and resentment. Before he befriended Legosi, he’d thought he would have been a star athlete or something equally glamorous.

Now, the deer suspected that if Louis had been a wolf, he would’ve tried to lead a bloody revolution.

Perhaps it was wiser to not dwell on what could have been. Better to tend to the now and channel his latent darker tendencies into a constructive endeavor.

“The legal mechanisms will take time to develop,” Louis admitted, his tone measured. “Voluntary donation after death, medical oversight, proper regulations, we’ll work out the logistics once we have the infrastructure in place. Once that’s done I’ll look into finding and financing a group to lobby for it.”

Savon made a thoughtful sound, his fingers tapping against his glass. Ten, however, was quick to cut in.

“We’ll also need legal representation,” she pointed out, fanning herself lazily but with a sharp look in her eyes. “If we’re going to parade this as a legitimate enterprise, we cannot afford even the faintest impression of illegality. Savon and I can’t exactly advertise our presence; every cop worth his salt knows our reputation.”

Louis nodded, having anticipated this concern. “I already have someone in mind,” he replied.

The fox arched an eyebrow. “Oh?”

He didn’t elaborate, but internally, he mulled over the thought of Grace. She had always been a champion of charity and reform, her reputation untarnished even by the most vicious of political machinations. If anyone could lend credibility to their operation, or, at the very least, point him in the direction of someone who could, it was her.

The dove certainly had a talent for keeping her own hands clean even as she rubbed shoulders with some rather unsavory individuals.

She probably wouldn’t risk getting personally involved, but she had connections. She knew people. And people trusted her.

“I’ll handle it,” Louis assured them, offering no further details.

Ten looked mildly suspicious but didn’t press. Instead, she leaned back, shifting the conversation to the next necessary step.

“Even with legal cover and finances, we need the means to build.”

Louis gave a small smirk, already having that covered. “I’m in the process of founding a construction company.”

Savon’s eyes flicked up at that, interest piqued.

“I expect both of you to look for potential hires,” Louis continued. “Both from your gangs and from those who were displaced when the market fell. We’ll need workers, laborers, craftsmen, transporters. I’ll provide employment for those who lost their livelihoods, and it ensures that no one leaks information on the project while construction is underway.”

Ten tilted her head, considering. “…I suppose that makes sense.”

Savon gave a slight nod. “Loyalty is built on survival. If they see this project as their lifeline, they won’t betray it.”

“Exactly.” Louis exhaled, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve. “We’ll also need to establish a clinic.”

Both gang leaders looked at him curiously.

“For carnivores,” he clarified. “The Black Market was the only place in the city where carnivores could seek medical help for meat addiction without fear of arrest or discrimination. If we want this new iteration of the Market to thrive, we must provide them with proper care. It’ll only grow more vital once meat consumption picks up again.”

Ten’s fan stilled for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she gave a slow nod. “Not a bad idea.”

Savon, however, studied Louis carefully. “Do you already have someone in mind for that as well?”

“I’ll find the right people,” he told Savon smoothly. “At the very least Gohin should be able to suggest a few less judgmental doctors or nurses.” The panda’s personality didn’t lend itself to the orthodox portion of the medical community, after all.

The komodo tilted his head slightly but didn’t press.

As the negotiations continued, each point addressed, each concern tackled, Louis’s mind remained half-anchored to another place, another meeting.

He dearly hoped that Legosi had an easier time with Haru.

Legosi walked through the park, his steps slow and measured. His ears twitched at every distant sound, birds chirping, leaves rustling, the occasional chatter of passersby, but his focus was set on one thing. One person.

Haru.

He wasn’t sure what he expected when he finally spotted her. He had hoped, prayed, that she would still be here, that he could still fix this. The white rabbit was seated on a bench, her small frame slightly hunched as she stared ahead. Her ears twitched, and Legosi felt a pang of guilt as he noticed how tired she looked.

He had done this to her.

Taking a steadying breath, he approached, his claws curling slightly into his palms.

As if sensing him, Haru turned, her dark eyes meeting his. There was no anger there. No immediate rejection. Just quiet exhaustion.

Legosi hesitated, his mouth already opening to apologize, but before he could get a word out, Haru smiled.

It wasn’t a bright, beaming smile. It wasn’t the kind of grin that made his tail wag instinctively. It was soft. A little sad. But it was enough to make him pause.

She patted the empty space beside her. “Sit with me?”

Wordlessly, he obeyed, settling next to her on the bench.

The midday sun still hung high in the sky, casting a soft light through the thickening clouds. It wasn’t raining yet, but the air carried the heavy scent of an impending storm.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, Haru exhaled and finally broke the silence.

“I’ve been thinking a lot,” she admitted, her voice quiet but firm. “Ever since you became a Beastar.”

Legosi glanced at her but didn’t interrupt. He owed her that much.

“I worry about you,” she continued. “Every time you go out, I wonder if you’ll come back in one piece. When you don’t, it’s… it’s like my whole world stops until I know you’re safe.” She let out a bitter chuckle. “When I heard about the bombing… I thought I was going to lose you.”

Legosi flinched. So did I, he wanted to say. But he stayed silent.

“I’ve started resenting Yafya for recruiting you into this life.” Haru sighed, shaking her head. “And lately… a little bit of that resentment has even bled into my friendship with Louis. I know he means well, but I can’t help the feeling that he just keeps enabling you.”

Legosi finally spoke, though his voice was softer than usual. “I make more money now than I ever did before. More than when I was just a delivery boy.”

Haru leaned against his shoulder, her fur brushing against his. “I don’t care about the money, Legosi.”

His ears drooped.

“We have savings,” she reminded him. “My parents support us. And now that I finally have my doctorate, we’d be fine even if you wanted to be a house husband.”

Legosi stiffened slightly. He wasn’t sure he could even imagine a life like that.

Haru shifted, pulling back slightly so she could look him in the eye. “But I need to know, Legosi. What do you want?”

The wolf swallowed, his hands instinctively moving to cradle hers. Her hands were small, delicate, but steady.

“…I want to help people,” he murmured. “I want to use my strength for something good.” He tightened his grip slightly. “When Louis and I changed things at the academy, when we started making a real difference… it felt like I finally found my place.”

Haru searched his face, taking in his sincerity. Then, after a moment, she spoke again.

“I want a safe, stable life,” she confessed. “I want to build a home. I want to raise our children together.”

Legosi stiffened. Children.

Haru noticed. She always did.

“I know I can’t carry them myself,” she added gently. “But we could adopt. Or use a surrogate.”

The rabbit gave him a small, sad smile. “This is it, isn’t it, Legosi?”

His ears flicked. “What do you mean?”

“The crux of our problems,” she said, squeezing his hands slightly. “Our visions for the future are just… too different.”

Legosi didn’t reply right away.

He wasn’t sure if he could.

The wind picked up, rustling the trees and the looming clouds continued to darken the sky.

Legosi’s ears flattened as Haru’s fingers trembled in his grasp. He could feel it, feel the words she was about to say before she even spoke them.

“You’re an amazing person, Legosi,” Haru said softly. “The gentlest and kindest animal I’ve ever met. Herbivore or carnivore.”

The wolf’s breath caught in his throat.

She smiled at him, that sad, tired smile that told him she had already made up her mind. “And because I want to keep seeing you that way… I think we should break up.”

His grip tightened around her hands. “Haru.” The word came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. “No, Haru, please—”

She gently pulled her hands away.

Legosi swallowed against the rising lump in his throat, his heart hammering as Haru turned away from him, her hands moving to the small golden ring on her finger.

She stared out at the park’s centerpiece, a beautiful stone fountain, its gentle streams of water catching the muted sunlight.

Haru smiled wistfully. “It reminds me of the fountain at the academy.”

“It’s ironic, isn’t it?” she murmured. “That our relationship should end somewhere like this.”

Legosi blinked, his mind struggling to keep up as wolf’s claws dug into his palms. His silence stretched between them, heavy and unbreakable.

Then, she exhaled and turned to face him again. “I signed up for an expedition.”

The wolf’s ears twitched. “…What?”

“I’ll be in the western jungles for three months,” she explained. “It’s an important research opportunity. My team is leaving in a week.”

Legosi couldn’t speak.

Haru hesitated, then continued. “You can stay in the apartment while I’m gone. I know you don’t have anywhere else set up yet.”

Legosi’s chest ached. “Haru—”

“But by the time I come back,” she interrupted gently, “I want you to have moved out.”

A cold weight settled in his stomach.

Before he could protest, Haru reached for his hand, lifting it with both of her own. She slipped the engagement ring from her finger and pressed it into his palm, curling his fingers around the tiny golden band.

“We both deserve someone who can accept us for who we are,” she whispered. “Someone who wants the same future.”

Legosi’s throat was too tight to form words.

Haru stepped onto the bench, her small frame rising just enough to lean in and press one last kiss to his cheek.

He closed his eyes. Memorized the warmth. The softness.

When she pulled away, her eyes shimmered, tears clinging to her lashes. “I’m sorry, but I can’t be that person for you. I hope you’ll be happy, Legosi.”

And with that, she turned and walked away.

Legosi sat frozen, the ring clutched tightly in his hand as he watched her go, the small white figure disappearing between the trees.

The wind carried the faint scent of rain.

And just like that, she was gone.

Time was moving like molasses as Legosi sat on that bench, gazing towards the horizon and cradling the tiny, plain gold loop. The wolf had spent almost half a year saving up money from his meager delivery wages to buy it; the final portion had been supplied when Yafya had started paying him for his work.

He wondered if this is what Jack felt when the Labrador wanted to cry, but found that he couldn’t.

He hadn’t even had the presence of mind to confess his recent misbehavior to Haru.

Shouldn’t he be sadder? Was it rational to be upset about not being more upset?

Legosi felt like a void was yawning open inside of him, and as time slipped away from him the only feeling that managed to penetrate the haze was the creeping chill of early evening. Finally, as the sun drew close to the horizon and bathed the park in orange light, a thought managed to push to the forefront of his thoughts:

He’d promised Louis that he’d be back for dinner.

The wolf rose, almost mechanically, to his feet.

Yes, that was important. He couldn’t break a promise to Louis.

A trace of warmth rose in the wolf’s chest.

Louis was good to him, so Legosi had to be good for Louis.

Chapter Text

After Yuta informed him that Legosi had returned, Louis had felt a flicker of hope that maybe the wolf’s meeting with Haru went well. It would’ve been the perfect excuse to put the past behind them and never, ever mention Legosi’s slip-up again.

Instead, Louis sat on the plush sofa of his estate’s salon, feeling the weight of Legosi’s body against him as the wolf clung to him. Legosi's arms were wrapped around Louis’s waist, his face buried against the deer’s shoulder. His body trembled slightly, though whether from sorrow or exhaustion, Louis couldn’t tell.

“It’s not fair…” Legosi murmured, his voice thick. “I thought we could make it work. I wanted to make it work.”

Louis’s fingers rested against the fur at the back of Legosi’s head, his other arm resting lightly against the wolf’s back.

“I know,” he murmured, voice soft.

Legosi took in a shaky breath. “Maybe if I had… I don’t know, tried harder. Said something different. Been different—”

“No.” Louis cut him off, his tone firm but not unkind. He shifted slightly, turning so that his cheek rested against the wolf’s head. “This wasn’t about effort, Legosi. Sometimes… people just grow apart.”

A quiet, shuddering sigh escaped Legosi’s throat. “I just thought we had more time.”

Louis closed his eyes, feeling the slow rise and fall of Legosi’s chest against his own. He wanted to say something wise, something that would take away even a fraction of Legosi’s pain, but there were no magic words for this kind of grief.

All he could do was hold him.

And as he did, Louis found himself thinking about how good Legosi’s fur felt beneath his fingertips. How warm his body was. The subtle, familiar scent of him.

And then came the guilt.

Legosi had just lost the most important relationship in his life, and here Louis was, selfishly appreciating the excuse to keep him close. To hold him like this, without question or resistance.

Legosi pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at Louis with tired, red-rimmed eyes. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Louis’s chest ached at the words.

He swallowed. “You don’t have to find out.”

The wolf offered him a small, broken smile, then leaned in again, resting his head against Louis’s increasingly damp shoulder.

And Louis?

Louis sat there, gently stroking Legosi’s back, feeling both warm and cold at once.

Because for all his reassurances, all his carefully chosen words, he couldn’t ignore the one terrible, selfish thoughts lingering in his mind.

Legosi probably thought Louis was a good friend.

But Louis…

Louis wasn’t so sure he was a good person at all.

The next month was a whirlwind for Louis. Between social calls, meetings with the two gangs to iron out details, and covertly buying up land for the Black Market’s resurrection, the deer barely had a free day to himself.

And now, Rexmas was drawing close.

People were starting to experience the usual holiday stress, and it was evident even at the grand charity gala held at Louis’s estate. The event, organized by Azuki, was meant to alleviate poverty and voice an appeal for harmony between species, topics that, thankfully, garnered significant interest. Louis found that quite promising. After all, if society was willing to engage with such matters it boded well for his own future plans.

Provided their New Year’s resolutions didn’t evaporate after the holidays were over, of course.

The gala was a grand affair, the kind of event where the elite of Cherryton gathered under glittering chandeliers, sipping champagne and exchanging carefully measured pleasantries. His estate itself was the perfect setting for such an event: old-money refinement, with sweeping staircases, marble floors polished to a mirror sheen, and grand windows that allowed the golden glow of candlelight to spill out into the cool night air.

Louis certainly knew his staff had spent last week making sure everything was spotlessly perfect; he’d already told Yuta to add a hefty bonus for this year’s Rexmas.

The main hall, where the charity gala was being held, had been transformed with tasteful decorations that evoked both warmth and sophistication. Large, fragrant wreaths of winter greenery were hung above the doorways, intertwined with silver ribbons that caught the light just so. Towering ice sculptures stood as centerpieces on some of the tables, carved into elegant depictions of various animals: a stag, a lion, a wolf, symbols of power and unity.

The guests in attendance were the crème de la crème of Cherryton’s upper class: business magnates, high-ranking officials, respected scholars, and influential socialites, all dressed in their finest evening wear. Women in sleek gowns and men in sharp-tailored suits milled about, their laughter and chatter blending into the soft music played by a live quartet stationed near the ballroom's grand fireplace.

Among the distinguished guests were familiar figures: influential investors with calculating eyes, politicians whose smiles were as polished as their lapel pins, and philanthropists with genuine or performative concern for the less fortunate. There were also notable figures from the city’s justice and academic circles, including Grace, whose simple yet elegant dove-gray dress was a stark contrast to the more ostentatious ensembles around her. Miyagi, ever the charmer, was engaged in animated conversation with a few socialites and fellow actors, his confident posture and easy laughter making him a magnet for attention.

Despite the air of opulence, the event’s purpose, addressing poverty and social unrest, added an undercurrent of gravity. The speeches had been carefully curated to highlight the need for social change without alienating the wealthy patrons whose donations would fund the cause. Some guests were genuinely invested in the issue; others were simply here for the networking opportunities and to be seen doing good.

At present, he was speaking with Grace, casually discussing the Cherryton Oceanfront Modernization Plan for Accessible Shelter and Sustainability, COMPASS, as the project had been officially named.

The dove had chuckled when he first mentioned it. “Politicians do love their acronyms,” she mused, taking a sip from her glass.

“They certainly do,” Louis agreed, mirroring her amusement. “And if it gets them to support the initiative, all the better.”

He was careful with his phrasing, ensuring that nothing he said could be construed as even remotely illegal. And yet, to his quiet alarm, Grace accepted his explanations far too easily.

Louis took a sip of his champagne, tilting his head slightly as Grace’s tone shifted from polite business to something more reminiscent of an old war story.

“You know,” Grace began, swirling the champagne in her glass, “all this talk of poverty reminds me of a case I handled around ten years ago. An impoverished vixen, a sharp, stubborn thing, came to me, asking for help. She wasn’t fighting for herself, but for her nephew. His mother had passed, and the father, well: he was a powerful man. Didn’t want anything to do with the child, but the moment there was talk of child support, suddenly, he wanted custody.”

Louis raised an eyebrow, recognizing the familiar tune. “Let me guess, he wasn't exactly the doting father type?”

Grace let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. “Oh, he didn’t give a damn about the kit. He just wanted to dodge responsibility as cheaply as possible. A nasty piece of work, that one. Pulled every dirty trick in the book, slandered the mother, dug up every bit of dirt he could on the vixen, fabricated evidence to make her look unfit. Even tried to bribe a judge.”

Louis frowned. “Charming. And I assume you tore him apart in court?”

A slow, satisfied smile spread across the dove’s face. “Utterly,” she confirmed. “He thought money and power would be enough. But I was younger then, and I had a lot to prove. Every move he made, I countered. Every lie he spun, I unraveled. By the end of it, he was humiliated, and custody went to the vixen. The judge made it very clear that he had no right to the child.”

Louis leaned back slightly, impressed. “I can’t imagine he took that well.”

“He didn't,” Grace said, her voice edged with amusement. “Oh, he raged, threatened, tried to appeal, but there was nothing left for him to stand on. The vixen walked away with her nephew, and the judge made sure they got what was owed to them.” She took a sip of her wine before adding, almost casually, “In the end, the father lost a great deal more than the case. His reputation was damaged, and his influence… he was never quite the same after that.”

Louis was confused; the story seemed unrelated to their conversation. Still, it was rather satisfying to know that despite what he knew about her, Grace still found delight in helping people. It spoke well for their future business dealings.

“A satisfying victory, then.”

Grace nodded, setting her glass down. “One of my favorites,” she admitted, before leaning in just slightly.

“I’ve thought about your offer too. Come to my office next Monday,” she said. “We’ll go over the details.”

Then, in a softer voice, she added, “I’ll most likely handle the advocacy myself, but I’ll delegate the finer details to a few trusted protégés.”

That… wasn’t what Louis had expected. Grace’s image was her bread and butter; while he liked the dove, he was under no illusion that she would risk getting involved in a potential public scandal.

As she turned to leave, she paused, lowering her voice just enough that only Louis could hear.

“Oh, and do extend my warmest greetings to Ten,” she murmured. “I hope her nephew is doing well.”

Louis stiffened. His expression must have been something to behold, because as Grace walked away, she did so with the air of someone thoroughly entertained. Apparently Grace’s connections ran deeper than the stag had anticipated. It certainly put a few things in context.

It was only when he felt eyes on him that he snapped back to the present, catching Legosi watching him from across the room.

For a brief moment, they locked eyes.

Then, just as quickly, they looked away, each pretending they hadn’t noticed the other.

The tension between them was growing, thick and unspoken.

Temporarily free of socialites wishing to make polite small talk, Miyagi leaned against the ornately carved pillar near the ballroom's entrance, watching the ongoing social dance of the wealthy and well-connected. He swirled the amber liquid in his glass, eyes flicking between Legosi and Louis with mild exasperation. The two of them had been exchanging glances all night, only to immediately look away whenever their eyes met. It was getting ridiculous.

Miyagi had always thought himself a patient wolf, one had to be, in the entertainment industry, but this? This was trying his limits. He had hoped that by now, Legosi would have moved past the post-breakup fog and either resolved things with Louis or at least stopped acting like a nervous teenager around him. The first week after the split, the younger wolf had practically lived in Louis’s shadow, following the deer around like a lost pup. At first, Miyagi had expected to feel jealous, but the emotion never came. Instead, all he felt was a detached amusement as he observed the two dance around whatever unspoken thing lay between them.

He was no fool; Louis was fond of Legosi, perhaps more than he even realized. But fondness and desire were two different things, and Miyagi had never pressed the deer on it. Their conversations always revolved around Legosi’s emotional state, the acting industry, and the ever-growing list of responsibilities Louis shouldered. Never about how Louis actually felt about the wolf who had been orbiting his life since their school days.

He took a sip of his drink, thinking back to the night in the winter garden when he and Legosi had exchanged some rather pointed words. A jest had been thrown about, a half-serious suggestion of a threesome, spoken in humor. At the time, Miyagi had brushed the other wolf’s reaction off, but now he wondered. Would Louis ever allow himself to acknowledge whatever it was that simmered beneath his composed exterior? Would Legosi?

Across the room, Legosi sneaked another glance at Louis, his ears twitching slightly when he realized the deer was already looking at him. Miyagi nearly groaned out loud. It was like watching two wallflowers attempting to communicate telepathically. Seeing the usually so confident deer act shy had been cute the first few weeks, but now it was getting old.

The gala was winding down now, the more serious business conversations giving way to idle chatter and slowly dwindling numbers. It was the perfect opportunity for a private conversation. And conveniently, Louis was right there, standing near the grand staircase, sipping from his glass with a carefully neutral expression.

Miyagi took a sip of his own drink and crossed the room, easily weaving through the lingering guests. As he reached Louis, he leaned in just slightly, lowering his voice so only the deer could hear.

“We need to talk.”

Louis arched a delicate brow, turning slightly to face him. “That serious?”

Miyagi shrugged. “Depends on how much longer you want to keep pretending you don’t notice Legosi looking at you like a kicked puppy.”

Louis exhaled through his nose, something between a sigh and a huff. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Miyagi smirked. “Sure you don’t. Which is why you’ve been staring at him just as much.” He paused, watching as Louis’s fingers tightened slightly around his glass. “Look, I get it. You’ve got a lot on your plate, whatever grand plans you’re cooking up, your responsibilities. But Louis, you can’t tell me you’re completely indifferent to him.”

Louis remained silent for a moment before finally responding, “Legosi just got out of a serious relationship.”

“And?” Miyagi countered. “That doesn’t change how he feels. Or how you feel.”

Louis’s jaw tensed, and Miyagi could almost see the internal war being waged behind those sharp eyes. He decided to push just a little further. “I told you I’d give you everything you wanted, remember?” he murmured. “So let me give you this. Whatever this is between you and Legosi; figure it out. Go ask him to stay the night and then you can talk with him.”

Louis blinked, clearly taken aback. “You don’t mind?”

Miyagi chuckled, taking another sip of his drink. “If I did, you’d know by now. I’m not saying you need to jump him in the middle of your ballroom, but maybe stop running from it.”

Louis was silent again, his gaze flicking over to Legosi, who was now engaged in some polite conversation with an older philanthropist but still cast occasional glances their way. The deer’s fingers tapped absently against his glass before he finally sighed, setting it down on a nearby table.

“There are about a dozen reasons why this is a horrible idea. We’re friends, we’re co-workers, I already have you and Azuki.” The deer looked uncharacteristically small all of a sudden, and Miyagi felt a wave of protectiveness overcome him. Louis was usually so composed; he’d never seen the deer act so self-conscious.

“Now, where’s the confident deer who almost climbed into my lap minutes after meeting me?” Miyagi couldn’t help but tease the deer. In order to reveal any weakness it was usually necessary to get the deer out of his clothes and into bed. “Let’s be realistic: what’s the worst that could happen here? Are you afraid that Legosi might break off your friendship? Because that’s not the impression I’ve gotten from him.”

Honestly, the impression he’d gotten from Legosi was that he was an overgrown puppy as long as any even remotely assertive herbivore was in the room. If he hadn’t experienced Legosi’s show of spine firsthand he would’ve suspected that the younger wolf was simply a lapdog for herbivores.

Not for the first time Miyagi was glad that his career had taken off before he met Louis; otherwise that label might well apply to him. Did their relationship still count as screwing the boss, with Louis no longer being Horn’s CEO?

“I… Fine,” the deer muttered. “But not here.”

Miyagi grinned. “Good. Because I really didn’t want to have to suffer through another night of unresolved sexual tension. Just talk it over. If that’s not enough, well. I’ll be here over the weekend and we can work something out.”

As the last of the guests began to filter out, Louis excused himself from the lingering conversations and made his way toward Legosi. Miyagi watched from a distance, satisfied. Whatever happened next, at least the two of them would finally stop dancing around each other like awkward teenagers.

And if things went the way Miyagi suspected they would, well…

Legosi wasn’t bad looking. His tendency to slouch was unfortunate but the younger wolf’s muscles had grown more defined and his scars gave him quite the rugged look.

Miyagi spent another moment mustering Legosi, wondering if he’d feel an inkling of attraction; none materialized.

Oh well, one couldn’t have everything.

The couples who’d invited him for a night had been fine with the arrangement; there was no reason they wouldn’t be able to work this out as well.

As long as Louis remained his, he didn’t mind sharing if the deer felt adventurous.

Legosi sat in Louis’s salon, gripping his glass of brandy like it was the only thing keeping him tethered to the room. The polished wood of the furniture gleamed under the soft golden glow of the chandelier, and the distant sound of the estate’s staff moving about and cleaning up after the gala only served to highlight how unnervingly quiet the room itself was. He took another swallow of the expensive brandy, far too refined for him to properly appreciate, and exhaled slowly.

He remembered the last time he’d been in this room and winced at the memory. The way he’d clung to Louis, desperate and miserable, barely able to function in the aftermath of his breakup with Haru. He had been utterly pathetic. He was lucky Louis hadn’t thrown him out, though part of him still wondered why the deer hadn’t. Maybe it was pity. Maybe Louis was just that kind.

Legosi hated himself a little more for hoping that it was something else.

Legosi swallowed hard and resisted the urge to down the rest of his drink in one go. The salon was warm, but his skin prickled uncomfortably. He felt like he was waiting on his own execution. Louis had made several veiled remarks about needing to talk, to finally address the tension lingering between them. Legosi knew perfectly well what the problem was.

He had a tendency to cling when he was in distress, and breaking up with Haru had been one of the worst experiences of his life. He had clung to Louis like he was a deer-shaped security blanket, and now… he couldn’t get the stag’s scent out of his head. That was the worst part. It was everywhere, in the clothes he’d borrowed, in the air when he stepped into the estate. He’d only managed to escape it by retreating to the apartment, and there memories of Haru were ready to haunt him. It almost felt like he was cheating on her, even if their relationship was over. And yet, Louis’s presence had lodged itself into his mind, making him crave something he had no right to desire.

And then there was Miyagi.

Legosi clenched his jaw and set the brandy glass down with a quiet clink. Seeing Louis cast flirtatious glances in Miyagi’s direction had been bad enough, but the older wolf’s words still lingered in Legosi’s mind, gnawing at his thoughts.

Like a schoolboy with a crush.

Miyagi had seen right through him, as if Legosi was some kind of open book.

Two days before the gala, Legosi had woken up in his apartment, bathed in sweat. He had dreamt of that moment in the estate’s garden, the one where he had first learned of Louis and Miyagi’s relationship. The moonlight filtering through the trees, the bench they had sat on, the way they had looked at each other. But in the dream, it hadn’t been Miyagi who had kissed Louis.

It had been Legosi himself.

He had jolted awake so fast he nearly tumbled out of bed, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The heat of the dream had lingered on his skin, shame coiling tight in his stomach. He had felt filthy. Louis had been so good to him, so patient and understanding, and here Legosi was, lusting after him like an idiot. The deer’s relationships were already complicated enough without Legosi adding to the mess.

And yet, Legosi couldn’t seem to keep his body under control; he’d bitten his own hand as he nervously and shamefully took care of his needs until his stubborn, irresponsible body had been finally sated.

It had been worse than the time he’d woken up hung over in one of Louis’s guest rooms. As mortifying as it had been to feel his body responding to Louis presence, he’d at least still been able to blame it on the lingering effects of the alcohol. He still thanked Rex every day for Yafya’s call distracting both of them and that Louis had left to let him get dressed in peace. If the deer had noticed the state of his body he might well have suffered a stroke from sheer dread.

But now Legosi found that he was running out of excuses.

A sharp knock on the door yanked him from his thoughts. Legosi straightened automatically, trying to compose himself, but his pulse was hammering in his ears.

“Come in,” he called, his voice rough.

The door opened, and Louis stepped inside, looking composed as ever. The stag’s sharp blue eyes flicked toward him, taking in the drink in his hand, the tension in his posture.

“You’re drinking my best brandy,” Louis observed dryly, moving toward the liquor cabinet to pour himself a glass. “Should I be concerned?”

Legosi huffed a laugh, though it lacked any real amusement. “Maybe.”

Louis didn’t sit right away. Instead, he leaned against the cabinet, watching Legosi with an unreadable expression. The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy. Finally, the deer spoke.

“We need to talk.”

Legosi let out a humorless chuckle. “Yeah, I figured.”

Louis tilted his head. “Do you know what about?”

Legosi rubbed the back of his neck, feeling absurdly cornered. “You mean besides the fact that I’ve been acting weird around you? That Miyagi keeps making pointed comments? That I—” He stopped himself short, snapping his mouth shut before he could say something irreversibly stupid.

Louis’s gaze sharpened. “That you what?”

Legosi exhaled sharply through his nose. “That I don’t know what the hell I’m doing,” he muttered. “Or what I even want.”

Oh, Legosi was going to go to hell for lying. And going by the expression on the deer’s face, he wasn’t even good at it.

Louis quietly mustered him for an endless moment. The wolf tried not to squirm as the deer somehow seemed to loom over him despite their notable size difference.

“Legosi, what am I to you?”

Oh, Rex preserve him. How was Legosi going to get through this evening with his sanity intact?

Louis took a slow sip of his drink, considering. “Miyagi seems to think you want me.”

Louis has a soft spot for grey wolves. If you weren’t so devoted to your little rabbit, I’d have a few suggestions for him.

What kind of man even made shameless offers like that?

Legosi’s ears flattened, heat creeping up his neck. “Miyagi talks too damn much.” He tried to summon up outrage at the older wolf for butting in, but the overpowering anxiety drowned out every other emotion.

Louis didn’t deny it. “Is he wrong?”

Legosi clenched his fists on his lap, staring down at the table. “I don’t— I don’t know. Maybe. Probably.” He exhaled, his voice strained, and whispered. “And I hate that I do.”

Louis finally moved, stepping closer until he sat across from Legosi. His presence was steady, unwavering, and for some reason, that made it worse.

“Why?” Louis asked, his voice softer now. “Why do you hate it?”

Legosi let out a bitter laugh. “Because I shouldn’t. Because you’ve done nothing but help me, and I shouldn’t be— be thinking about you like that.” He shook his head, jaw tight. “And because you and Miyagi are already— and Azuki, she—” Legosi was lost for words; the wolf felt like he was trying to speak a foreign language.

How did anyone even talk about something like that?

Louis cut him off with a quiet sigh. “Legosi.”

The wolf looked up, hesitant.

Louis’s expression had shifted, less sharp, more considering. “You’re aware he noticed you shadowing me, right?”

Legosi gaped at him. “What?”

Louis smiled, a little amused, a little exasperated. “He’s been hinting at it all night. And if I had to guess, he’s been waiting for me to figure it out for longer than that.” The deer leaned in closer; Legosi could feel his body heat soak through his suit. “He told me to talk to you and figure this out.”

Legosi swallowed hard. “You’re— you’re not serious.”

Louis shrugged. “Would it be so surprising?”

Legosi stared at him, his heart pounding. He had expected rejection. He had expected discomfort. He had not expected this.

Louis took another sip of his brandy before setting the glass down with quiet finality. As the deer turned to the fidgeting grey wolf, Legosi thought that, for the first time, he spotted a glimpse of uncertainty in Louis’s eyes.

How ridiculous. Louis was the most confident person Legosi knew; the deer didn’t get nervous.

“Legosi, did you enjoy kissing me?”

Legosi opened his mouth before the question fully registered; the wolf’s eyes went wide as his fur stood on end.

How did— why would—

“Yes.”

The answer slipped from his lips before his brain caught up.

Louis’s lips curled into something almost wry. The deer seemed pleased and Legosi felt happy in a way even his mounting panic couldn’t quench. “Good. That makes two of us, then.”

Legosi was dreaming. Every second, he would wake up back at his apartment, his eyes darting around in panic before he had to make another shameful trip to the washing machine to launder his bedsheets and blanket.

This couldn’t possibly be real.

Louis had moved closer; no matter how much Legosi wanted to run and hide, he was frozen on the couch.

“I feel horrible. I know it’s over, but this still feels like I’m cheating on Haru.” The confession left him like a forbidden whisper as he felt Louis’s hand coming to rest on his thigh.

“You’re not alone. I’m married, I already have Miyagi and yet here I am. If you should feel bad, so should I.” The deer had moved close enough that they were sitting flush against each other.

“Louis, you’re the most generous person I know.”

“Funny, I thought I’m the greediest bastard on this planet. I’m a billionaire adulterer with everything anyone could possibly want,” As Louis was straddling the wolf; Legosi’s claws, carefully blunted, were digging holes into the deer’s no doubt insanely expensive couch. “And yet, I can’t help myself; I still want more. I’m the worst person I know.”

Any veneer of propriety had gone out the window. Legosi could feel Louis’s warmth soak through his suit. All he could perceive was Louis’s scent and the warm brown of the deer’s eyes.

The couch was a lost cause; the grey wolf was trembling with the effort of restraining himself.

A small smirk graced Louis’s face and oh, what Legosi wouldn’t give for this moment to go on forever.

“Legosi, be a good boy and kiss me?”

He surged forward before he could stop himself, his hands grasping at the fabric of Louis’s suit, fingers curling desperately into and ripping the fine material. Their lips crashed together in a heated, breathless kiss, all hesitation drowned by the force of their desire. Legosi barely had the presence of mind to brace himself when Louis’s hands cupped his face, thumbs tracing the line of his jaw, grounding him even as the world tilted beneath his feet.

The kiss was fire and hunger, an unspoken confession spilling between them in the way their lips moved, in the way Legosi pressed himself against Louis like he might otherwise fall apart. He could taste the lingering warmth of brandy on the stag’s lips, could feel the way Louis’s breath hitched as Legosi angled his head to deepen the kiss. It was intoxicating, dizzying, Louis’s scent surrounding him, filling his lungs, making his thoughts scatter like leaves in the wind.

Louis responded in kind, his grip tightening as he pulled Legosi flush against him. The heat between them was unbearable, a fever that neither of them wanted to break. The deer’s fingers slid down to the back of Legosi’s neck, threading into his fur as he tilted his head just so, taking control of the kiss in a way that made Legosi weak in the knees. He let out a quiet, involuntary sound at the sensation, and Louis swallowed it with a low, pleased hum, the vibration sending a shiver down Legosi’s spine.

When they finally parted for air, their breaths mingled between them, uneven and ragged. Legosi’s head was spinning, his heart pounding so loudly he was certain Louis could hear it. The deer’s lips were slightly swollen, his expression unreadable as he studied Legosi in the dim light.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The silence stretched, thick and electric, until finally, Louis’s fingers ghosted over Legosi’s cheek, his touch almost reverent.

“This…” Louis’s voice was hushed, his breath warm against Legosi’s lips. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it?”

Legosi swallowed hard, his throat tight, his hands still fisted in the fabric of Louis’s suit. He didn’t trust himself to speak, so he answered the only way he could, by leaning in again, capturing Louis’s lips in another searing kiss, pouring everything he couldn’t say into the way their mouths moved together.

And this time, there was no hesitation.

Chapter Text

Miyagi walked towards the salon of Louis’s mansion with a steady, almost predatory gait, hands tucked into the pockets of his coat and a familiar smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His boots clicked faintly on the polished marble floor, echoing through the estate’s hushed corridors. With the gala over it was a quiet night, the kind of stillness that usually preceded drama, or, in Miyagi’s case, an ambush.

He’d known something was bound to happen between Louis and Legosi eventually. He wasn’t blind. He’d watched them long enough: the way Louis would glance a beat too long when Legosi wasn’t looking, or how Legosi would lean in just a little too close before catching himself. Whether it was born from emotional entanglement or simply the friction of two people too close for too long, the attraction was inevitable.

They were close in age, after all, both in their twenties, both now Beastars with scars and secrets. They’d been through quite a bit together, even if he’d only scratched the surface. And Miyagi? Miyagi was older. Old enough to know better, and he fancied himself as wise enough to understand when issues needed to be addressed rather than ignored. Better to walk into the storm with his eyes open than be blindsided.

He reached the salon door and paused for just a breath before pushing it open.

Apparently Louis decided to proceed in all due haste this time; the scene inside greeted him like a low-voltage jolt of electricity to his spine.

Louis and Legosi were on the couch, no, tangled on the couch, locked in a kiss that was all fire and desperation. Louis sat in the younger wolf’s lap, his arms looped loosely around Legosi’s neck, his back arched with feline elegance as their mouths moved hungrily against one another. Legosi, for his part, looked like a coil wound too tight, his claws embedded deep into the fine upholstery, the claws having punctured clean through the fabric.

Miyagi’s eyes flicked to the claw marks and he raised an eyebrow, amused.

“Ruining Louis’s antique couch? Now that’s bold,” he murmured to himself, before clearing his throat loudly enough to make an entrance.

Legosi jerked like a pup caught red-handed, trying to pull away, lips still wet and breathless. His eyes went wide the moment he recognized Miyagi, horror dawning with every fraction of a second.

“Miyagi—!”

But Louis was faster. The deer calmly reached up and cupped the back of Legosi’s head, preventing his retreat with a gentle firmness that made Miyagi’s stomach twist in pleasure.

“Relax,” Louis said softly to Legosi, not taking his eyes off Miyagi. “I told you, he knew this was going to happen.”

Miyagi leaned against the doorframe, slowly closing the salon door behind him with a soft click. The smirk he wore deepened into something hungrier, more predatory.

“Well, I was going to wait until you two figured out how not to awkwardly sneak glances like teenagers during a school dance,” he said, voice smooth as velvet. “But I have to admit, this is much better.”

A lot faster, too; Louis really didn’t waste any time.

Legosi’s ears flattened. “I—this isn’t—”

“Legosi,” Miyagi interrupted, striding across the room now, each step deliberate, slow. “If you still think anyone is upset, you’ve completely missed the point.”

Louis chuckled lowly, finally turning in Legosi’s lap to face Miyagi more directly, though he didn’t move to get up. “I told you he’d be reasonable.”

“Oh, I’m more than reasonable,” Miyagi replied, drawing close enough to rest a hand on the back of the couch. “In fact, I’m thinking this might just work out beautifully. So long as no one claws up my favorite shirts, of course.” He eyed the torn-up upholstery critically. It was actually impressive how much damage the younger wolf could do, even with his claws filed down.

Legosi swallowed hard, clearly unsure whether to be mortified or aroused. Miyagi found that uncertainty charming. It gave him the upper hand.

“So,” Miyagi said, eyes flicking between the two of them. “Should I pour myself a drink and watch? Or are we past the exhibitionist stage already? In which case, you really ought to close the door next time.”

Louis arched an eyebrow but smirked all the same. “Why don’t you come over here and find out?”

Miyagi’s blood warmed.

Oh, yes. He could definitely work with this.

Legosi’s ears flattened against his skull, and his claws flexed nervously against the ruined couch. “Louis, I—” he started, his voice cracking slightly, but Louis cut him off with a sharp click of his tongue.

“Quiet, Legosi,” the deer said, his tone firm but not unkind. His hands tightened on the younger wolf’s shoulders, and Miyagi couldn’t help but notice the way Legosi’s breath hitched at the command. “I didn’t intend to have Miyagi here for this,” he leaned in closer, his nose brushing against the fur of Legosi’s neck, and Miyagi could see the younger wolf’s pulse quicken. “But now that he’s here… why don’t we make the most of it?”

Miyagi’s ears perked forward, his tail stilling for a moment as he processed the implication. He’d come here expecting to find Louis and Legosi fumbling their way through their burgeoning attraction, but he hadn’t expected Louis to be so…delightfully accommodating. “Is that an invitation?” he asked, his voice dropping to a low growl as he stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Louis’s.

The red deer smirked, his fingers trailing down Legosi’s chest as he shifted slightly in his lap. “Consider it one,” he replied, his gaze flicking between the two wolves. “Legosi’s been holding back. I think it’s time someone shows him how to let go.”

Legosi made a strangled noise in the back of his throat, his claws digging deeper into the couch. “Louis, I—I don’t know if this is a good idea.”

“Legosi,” Louis began, his voice softening as he cupped Legosi’s face in his hand. “We’ve been dancing around this for months. I’m to blame for that as well, I know. But right now, I’m tired of waiting.” His thumb brushed over Legosi’s lower lip, and the younger wolf’s breath caught. “Let me take care of you.”

Miyagi watched the exchange with a mix of amusement and something deeper, something that coiled low in his stomach. He had always known Louis was bold, but seeing him take charge like this, seeing the way Legosi trembled under his touch, was intoxicating. While an unusually headstrong herbivore, Louis had never been quite that forward with him. He stepped closer, his hand brushing against Louis’s antlers as he leaned down to murmur in his ear. “You’re full of surprises tonight,” he said, his voice a low purr. “Care to share the fun?”

Louis turned his head slightly, his nose brushing against Miyagi’s as he met his gaze. “Always,” he murmured, his breath warm against the older wolf’s face. “But let’s not scare him off, hm?”

Point taken, Miyagi figured. As exciting as it was, this wasn’t really about Miyagi, was it.

The wolf chuckled, his hand sliding down Louis’s back to rest on his hip. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied, his gaze shifting to Legosi, who was watching them with wide, uncertain eyes. “Legosi, you’re not going anywhere, are you?”

The younger wolf swallowed hard, his ears twitching nervously. “I—I don’t know what you mean.”

“Relax,” Louis murmured, his voice softening as he reached out to brush a hand over Legosi’s ears. The touch was careful and gentle, and Legosi seemingly couldn’t help but lean into it. “We’re just having a little fun. No one’s going to hurt you.”

Legosi’s tail gave a hesitant wag, his body slowly relaxing under their combined attention. “Louis, I just… I’ve never…” He trailed off, his cheeks flushing beneath his fur.

“I know,” Louis said, his voice soothing as he ran a hand through Legosi’s scruff. “But you’re safe with us. Let me show you.”

Miyagi’s hand tightened on Louis’s hip, his own desire beginning to stir as he watched the two of them together. “Legosi,” he said, his tone firm but kind. “Trust us. Trust Louis.”

The younger wolf hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly, his claws releasing their iron grip on the couch. “Okay,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “I trust you.”

Louis smiled, a genuine, warm smile that made something ache in Miyagi’s chest. “Good,” he murmured, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Legosi’s lips. “Now, let’s see what else you’ve been holding back.”

Miyagi watched as Louis’s hands began to explore, his touch firm but gentle as he coaxed Legosi into a deeper kiss. The younger wolf’s tail began to wag more insistently, his hands hesitantly moving to Louis’s waist.

He slid onto the couch beside them, his hand resting on Louis’s thigh as he leaned in to nuzzle against his’s neck. “You’ve got him,” he murmured against the younger deer’s fur, his breath hot against his skin. “But don’t forget about me.”

Miyagi felt a surge of possessiveness, something that made him want to join in, to claim the deer as his own.

He fought it down, though not without difficulty. He’d restrain himself for now; self-indulgence could wait for later.

Meanwhile, the younger wolf’s fur stood on end and he seemed torn between throwing himself at Louis and bolting for the door. “Louis, I—” The sentence ended in a gasp as Legosi shivered, his head tilting back as Louis’s teeth grazed his throat.

Miyagi pulled back slightly, his eyes narrowing in consideration as he watched Louis and Legosi together. His hands slid to the deer’s hip, stilling them as his voice turned gentle. “Maybe it’s time we talk boundaries before this goes further.” His voice was a low growl as he turned to Louis, making the deer’s ears twitch.

Louis’s lips curled into a sly smile, his amber eyes glinting with mischief. “True, we should make sure Legosi feels safe,” he said, his tone smooth and confident before turning back to muster said wolf. “After all, I don’t want to throw you in at the deep end. Still, I think part you quite likes having me in your lap, doesn’t it?” His hand shifted, and Miyagi listened in wonder as Legosi tensed, a pleading whine escaping his throat.

Louis’s free hand brushed carefully across the younger wolf’s impressive bulge, his fingers tracing the outline with deliberate slowness. Legosi’s breath hitched, his claws digging reflexively into the couch cushions. Miyagi hummed to himself, his gaze locking with Legosi’s. The younger wolf’s eyes were wide, a mix of fear and desire swirling in their depths.

“Perhaps we should take this to your bedroom?” Miyagi suggested, his voice smooth but firm. Privately, he doubted they could take this much further. Pushing Louis to make his move had been a spontaneous decision after all; he doubted the deer was prepared for anything too involved. Maybe a blowjob or something to ease Legosi in gently? The younger wolf’s lower regions certainly seemed to be in desperate need of relief.

It just crossed Miyagi’s mind that he didn’t even know if Legosi had any experience with men.

Louis tilted his head, considering Miyagi’s words. “Lead the way,” he said, his voice carrying an air of authority that made Legosi visibly shiver. The deer rose gracefully from Legosi’s lap, though his gaze lingered on the younger wolf, his expression almost predatory. Miyagi stood as well, his hand resting lightly on Louis’s lower back as he gestured toward the door.

Legosi hesitated, his tail flicking nervously. “I—I don’t know if I’m ready for this,” he stammered, his voice trembling. Miyagi’s ears twitched and he exchanged a glance with Louis. The deer’s smile softened, and he stepped closer to Legosi, his hand resting on the younger wolf’s shoulder.

“Legosi,” Louis said gently, “you don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. But I know you’ve been holding back for so long. Let’s just go somewhere more private; then we can see where to go from there, hm?” His voice was soft but insistent, and Legosi’s resolve wavered. He glanced at Miyagi, who gave him a reassuring nod.

“Alright,” Legosi whispered, his voice barely audible. Louis’s smile widened, and he leaned in to press a gentle kiss to the younger wolf’s forehead.

“Good boy,” Louis murmured, his tone sending a shiver down Legosi’s spine. The younger wolf really was so very weak to the deer’s touch; it was almost impressive to see Louis handle him this effortlessly.

Miyagi stepped forward, his hand resting on Legosi’s other shoulder. “Let’s go,” the older wolf said, his voice firm but kind. Legosi nodded, his tail drooping slightly as he followed them out of the salon and down the hall toward Louis’s bedroom.

Rex in heaven, what had he gotten himself into?

Legosi felt like his head was stuck in a cloud. His thoughts were foggy and the rest of the world felt so very far away.

The bedroom was lavish, as expected of the deer’s mansion, with a large bed dominating the space. Moonlight streamed in through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room. Louis stepped inside first, his movements deliberate and confident. He turned to face the two wolves, his expression unreadable.

“Now,” Louis began, his voice smooth and commanding, “let’s establish some ground rules. Miyagi, you’re here to guide, not overwhelm. Legosi, you’re in control. If at any point you’re uncomfortable, say the word, and we stop. Understood?”

The Legosi, everything Louis said might as well be written in stone. The wolf nodded stiffly, his ears flattening against his head. Miyagi’s tail swished lazily, a small smile playing on his lips. “Understood,” he said, his voice faltering but laced with excitement.

Louis’s gaze shifted to Legosi, his expression softening. “Good,” he said. Then, without warning, he stepped forward, closing the distance between them and pushing the wolf to sit on the bed. His hands found the younger wolf’s waist, his grip firm but gentle. “Let’s see if we can’t help you unwind.”

Legosi’s breath caught as Louis leaned in, his lips brushing against the younger wolf’s neck. Legosi could feel Miyagi watching intently, his hand resting on Louis’s back, surely providing a sense of stability Legosi was currently sorely lacking. The deer’s movements were slow and deliberate, his teeth grazing Legosi’s fur as he planted soft kisses along his throat.

Miyagi’s hand moved to Louis’s chest, his claws lightly tracing the contours of his muscles, though he kept his eyes on Legosi, watching for any sign of distress. Legosi wanted to squirm under his gaze, but found himself glued to the spot. “You’re doing so well,” the older wolf murmured, his voice a low rumble. “Just let go.”

Legosi’s eyes fluttered closed, his body trembling as Louis’s kisses grew more insistent. The deer’s hands roamed lower, his fingers brushing against the hem of Legosi’s pants. His body felt overheated and they hadn’t even done anything yet. “Can I?” Louis asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Legosi hesitated, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps. “Y-yes,” he finally managed to say, his voice trembling. Louis’s smile widened, and he slowly undid the younger wolf’s pants, revealing the pulsing erection beneath.

Louis’s breath hitched, and he pressed closer, his other hand joining its twin. “Just a moment, then we’ll continue,” he said, his voice faintly awed. Miyagi glanced at him, his expression unreadable, but he nodded, stepping back slightly.

Louis knelt before Legosi, his hands resting on the younger wolf’s hips. He leaned in, his breath hot against Legosi’s length, and the younger wolf shuddered. “Always aiming to please, aren’t you,” Louis murmured, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. Then, without hesitation, he took Legosi into his mouth.

And Legosi saw stars.

The younger wolf gasped, his claws digging into Louis’s shoulders as the deer’s tongue swirled around him. A second later he let go and sunk his fingers into the bedding. Louis watched intently, his expression a mix of fascination and desire. He pushed closer, his hands gently brushing through grey fur, his touch providing silent encouragement.

Legosi’s knees almost buckled, and Louis’s hands tightened, steadying him so they didn’t slide off the bed and onto the floor. The deer’s movements grew more insistent, his tongue flicking against the sensitive tip of Legosi’s length. “L-Louis!” Legosi gasped, his voice trembling with need.

He wondered if he’d ever manage to string together a coherent sentence after this. Oh, Legosi must’ve been either a saint or the worst kind of sinner in his previous life; there was no other way to explain this blissful torture.

Louis’s hand moved to Legosi’s chest, his fingers tracing the contours of his muscles. “Legosi,” the deer whispered, his voice soft but commanding. “You’re being so good for me.” Slowly, Louis pulled back, his tongue swiping across his lips as he looked up at Legosi. “How do you feel?” he asked, his voice gentle.

Legosi’s breath came in ragged, uneven bursts, his chest tight, legs trembling so violently he wasn’t sure how he was still upright. Every muscle screamed for relief, for surrender, to collapse backward onto the bed and let it all wash over him. But he stayed upright, barely.

“I—I don’t know,” he said, the lie catching in his throat like a shard of glass. His voice quivered, strained thin with the effort of pretending.

The truth pulsed behind his ribs, raw and loud and undeniable: Why did you stop?

It echoed through him, unrelenting, drowning out reason. He wanted, no, needed, the deer to continue. The craving clawed at him, shameless and wild. And yet, he lied. Again. Because apparently, Legosi wasn’t just a liar. He was a coward. A trembling, desperate coward who couldn’t admit how much he wanted.

Louis leaned closer, his hand resting on Legosi’s cheek. “You did well,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “Now, let’s get you comfortable.”

Legosi nodded weakly, his body still trembling as Louis guided him to fully lie on the bed. Miyagi stood, his expression unreadable as he watched the deer help the younger wolf onto the soft mattress.

“I think we could take it a step further,” Louis said, his voice carrying a hint of mischief. He glanced at Miyagi, his amber eyes glinting with dark intent. “What do you think?”

Miyagi’s tail swished lazily, a small smile playing on his lips. “I think,” he began, his voice low and sultry, “that it’s about time Legosi learns what it means to enjoy himself.”

Legosi’s eyes widened, his heartbeat quickening as he looked between the two of them. “W-what do you mean?” He’d already ruined a likely hideously expensive couch; he really didn’t want to wreck Louis’s bedding as well. Why couldn’t he ever figure out what to do with his hands?

Louis leaned in, his lips brushing against Legosi’s ear. “Oh, you’ll see.”

Sinner it was, then. Legosi had definitely been a horrible wretch, and Louis had descended from the heavens to dispense divine punishment.

Louis’s lips curved into a sly smile as he stood, his hand firm on Legosi’s shoulder, guiding the younger wolf to lie back on the bed. The deer’s confidence was magnetic, his every movement deliberate, as though he were orchestrating a symphony of desire. Miyagi lounged beside Legosi, his tail flicking lazily, his amber eyes fixed on the couple with a mix of admiration and hunger.

“You’ve been so patient, Legosi,” Louis purred, his voice dripping with honeyed praise as he began to unbutton the younger wolf’s shirt. His fingers moved with a practiced ease, brushing against Legosi’s fur, eliciting a soft shiver from the wolf. “I think it’s time you get a reward.”

Legosi’s breath hitched as Louis’s hands glided down his chest, each touch electric, sending ripples of pleasure through his body. The deer’s fingers trailed lower, undoing Legosi’s belt with a deliberate slowness that made the younger wolf’s pulse race. This is really happening, Louis thought, his mind a whirlwind of want and exhilaration.

Miyagi watched with a smirk, his gaze flickering between Louis’s commanding presence and Legosi’s increasingly flustered expression. “Careful, Louis,” he teased, his voice a low rumble. “You might break him if you go too fast.”

The deer chuckled, his hands sliding Legosi’s pants down his legs, fully exposing the younger wolf’s aching length. “Oh, I’m not going fast,” Louis murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m savoring every moment.”

And he was. Being with Miyagi was amazing; he’d come apart every time the wolf overwhelmed him. But Legosi’s touch, his every glance, felt like worship. Haru had described it as devotion that bordered on religious fervor; now Louis finally got what she meant. Legosi was so very careful, his eyes full of uncertainty and reverence.

Maybe that was what continually drew him back to Legosi; no-one else made Louis feel this effortlessly powerful.

Legosi’s ears flattened against his head, his body trembling as Louis’s fingers traced the length of his shaft, exploring him with a tenderness that bordered on deliberate teasing. Louis’s touch was meant to intoxicate, his every caress designed to unravel Legosi’s tightly wound inhibitions.

“You’re beautiful like this, Legosi,” Louis breathed, his lips brushing against the younger wolf’s ear. “So vulnerable. So perfect.”

Legosi whimpered, his claws digging into the sheets as Louis’s mouth found his, their lips crashing together in a kiss that was both tender and commanding. The deer’s tongue explored his mouth with a practiced ease, coaxing Legosi to reciprocate, to lose himself in the moment.

Miyagi groaned softly, his hand resting on his own length, his eyes locked on the pair. “Damn, Louis,” he muttered, his voice thick with desire. “You’re a damn artist.”

Louis pulled back slightly, his smirk widening even as he kept his gaze focused on the younger wolf. “I’m just getting started,” he said, his voice laden with promise.

The deer’s lips trailed down Legosi’s jaw, his neck, his chest, leaving a trail of soft kisses in their wake. Louis’s hands continued their exploration, teasing Legosi’s sensitive spots with a precision that left the younger wolf gasping for air.

“L-Louis,” Legosi stammered, his voice trembling as the deer’s mouth reached his stomach. “T-that’s…”

“Shh,” Louis murmured, his breath hot against Legosi’s skin. “Just relax and be a good boy for me, hm?”

Legosi’s eyes fluttered shut as Louis’s lips closed around the tip of his shaft, the sensation sending jolts of pleasure through his body. The deer’s tongue swirled around him, teasing him with a rhythm that was both maddening and irresistible.

Miyagi’s hand clenched in the sheets, his chest rising and falling as he watched the pair. “Fuck,” he growled, his voice strained. “I can’t decide if I want to join in or just watch.”

Louis pulled back briefly, his lips glistening as he looked up at Miyagi. “Try and outlast Legosi, maybe then I’ll help you make a decision.” he suggested, his voice a sultry purr.

Miyagi’s eyes darkened, his hand moving to his own length as he shifted closer to them; Louis could feel the heat radiating off both wolves’ bodies and wanted nothing more to bury himself between them. The older wolf’s lips found the deer’s neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin. Louis kept his gaze focused on Legosi; the younger wolf’s pupils had grown so wide, his breath ragged and desperate.

“You’re doing so well, Legosi.”

Legosi’s breath came in ragged gasps, his body writhing as Louis’s mouth enveloped him once more, the deer’s tongue working him with a relentless rhythm. The younger wolf’s claws dug into the sheets, his moans escaping in short, desperate bursts.

“I-I can’t…” Legosi gasped, his voice trembling. “L-Louis, I’m… I’m…”

“That’s it, Legosi,” Louis murmured, his voice muffled but no less commanding.

Legosi’s body tensed, and with a broken cry, he came undone, his release spilling into Louis’s mouth. A , long, low moan spilled from his lips as he reached his climax, waves of pleasure ceaselessly crashing over him. The deer swallowed expertly, his hands still firmly on Legosi’s hips as the younger wolf trembled in the aftermath. Louis’s mouth worked him through it, his touch gentle yet unyielding, coaxing every last drop from him.

When Legosi finally went limp, his chest heaving, Louis pulled back, a satisfied smirk on his lips. “Well, that was quite a lot,” he teased, his voice light.

Legosi’s face flushed crimson, his ears flattening against his head. “I-I’m sorry,” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Louis laughed softly, his hand brushing through the younger wolf’s fur. “Don’t apologize,” he said. “You were perfect.”

He really was. Louis had never felt better than he did at this moment, looming over a visibly exhausted Legosi. Apparently being a deviant did have certain perks.

As if to interrupt his ruminating, Miyagi’s hand found Louis’s length, his fingers wrapping around him as he leaned in to whisper, “Now, what might you be thinking about?”

The deer’s breath hitched, his eyes closing as Miyagi’s hand moved with a practiced rhythm. “Miyagi,” Louis murmured, his voice strained. “That’s not fair.”

The older wolf chuckled, his lips brushing against Louis’s ear. “You’ve been an awful tease all night,” he said. “I think it’s only fair I return the favor.”

Louis’s hips bucked into Miyagi’s hand, his breath coming in short, desperate gasps. “You’re awful,” he muttered, his voice barely coherent.

Strangely enough, Legosi had gone very still, mustering Louis with wide eyes and audibly swallowing. The deer briefly let his hands run down the wolf’s body, noting his squirming despite being exhausted not a moment ago.

That would certainly be worth studying in closer detail later; Louis was learning so many interesting things today.

Miyagi’s smirk widened, his hand moving faster, his touch deliberate. “And you love it,” he replied, his voice thick with desire.

Louis’s moans grew louder, his body trembling as Miyagi brought him closer to the edge. It was ridiculous; Louis had been so focused on Legosi’s every reaction, he’d barely paid any attention to his own body’s rising excitement. The deer’s hands clenched in the sheets, his tail flicking wildly as he neared his climax.

“M-Miyagi,” Louis gasped, his voice strained. “You… I’m…” It was ridiculous; Louis had been so focused on Legosi’s every reaction, he’d barely paid any attention to his own body’s rising excitement.

“So eager, Louis,” Miyagi growled, his voice doing nothing to hide his hunger.

The deer’s body tensed, a low groan escaping his lips as he reached his climax, his body shuddering with pleasure. Miyagi’s hand enveloped him almost completely, his touch careful but firm.

When Louis finally went limp, his chest heaving, Miyagi leaned in, his lips brushing against the deer’s ear. “Told you you’d love it,” he teased, his voice a low rumble.

Louis chuckled breathlessly, his hand reaching for Miyagi’s length. “Your turn,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.

Miyagi’s breath hitched, his eyes closing as Louis’s hand wrapped around him, his touch deliberate, his rhythm steady. The older wolf’s chest rose and fell with each stroke, his breath coming in short, desperate gasps.

“Fuck, Louis,” Miyagi growled, his voice strained. “You’re too good at this.”

The deer’s lips curved into a sly smile, his hand moving faster, his touch unyielding. “Someone gave me plenty of advice to get it just right,” he replied, his voice dripping with honeyed praise.

Louis’s idly considered whether to use his mouth as Miyagi’s body tensed. A low growl escaped the wolf’s lips as he reached his climax, waves of pleasure crashing over him. Louis would never get tired of seeing him lose himself in pleasure; finding all his good spots was a game Louis was still looking forward to.

Though on reflection, Miyagi usually had much more stamina than this. Apparently all three of them had been quite pent up today.

When Miyagi finally went limp, his chest heaving, Louis chuckled softly, his hand brushing through the older wolf’s fur. “You’re not too bad yourself,” he teased, his voice light.

Miyagi groaned, his eyes closing as he leaned back against the pillows. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he muttered, his voice thick with satisfaction.

Louis laughed softly, his hand resting on Miyagi’s chest. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride.

Legosi watched the pair with wide eyes, his chest still rising and falling with each breath. “I… I don’t know what just happened,” he stammered, his voice trembling.

Louis’s lips curved into a sly smile as he turned and crawled back towards the younger wolf. “Practice makes perfect. You’ll get used to it,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of promise.

Miyagi chuckled, his hand absently brushing through Louis’s fur. “I did tell you that Louis was adventurous,” he said, his voice thick with satisfaction.

Legosi’s face flushed crimson, his ears flattening against his head. “I… I think I need a moment,” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Louis laughed softly, his hand resting on Legosi’s chest. “Take all the time you need,” he said, his voice quieting. The stag felt fatigue creep up on him as the adrenaline left his bloodstream; a glance towards the bedside clock told him it was already past midnight.

He considered getting up and dragging his body to the shower. His fur would be incredibly tacky tomorrow, yet the afterglow left his thoughts warm and fuzzy and Legosi’s fur just looked so warm and inviting…

“L-Louis, what are you—”

“Shush Legosi. I’m tired, and I’m going to sleep. Be my blanket for the night?” Louis tried to summon his best commanding tone but could dimly tell that he missed his mark by a mile; still, Legosi made no movement to rise even as Louis proceeded to bury himself in soft, grey fur.

As the deer drifted off to sleep, his last thoughts were about how much he’d enjoy teaching all sorts of new tricks to the wolf.

As moonlight poured in through the arched windows of Louis’s bedroom, casting pale lines across the luxurious bedding, Miyagi shifted in the bed and reached instinctively for the warmth beside him. His fingers brushed only sheets. Cool sheets.

He blinked his eyes open, registering the emptiness in the bed. Louis remained curled in his usual sleep posture, deep in slumber and as composed as he was in waking life. The deer apparently moved to the other edge of the bed at some point, now occupying Legosi's spot. The younger wolf meanwhile was nowhere to be seen.

With a sigh and a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, Miyagi sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. The plush carpet was soft but cold under his feet, but the sensation kept him grounded. A slight breeze whispered through the room, and the wolf followed its trail to the open balcony doors.

He found Legosi there, leaning on the ornate marble railing. The younger wolf’s fur ruffled gently in the breeze, the moonlight painting silver across his back. He looked pensive, the kind of pensive Miyagi recognized all too well: shoulders slightly hunched, ears uncertain, tail still.

Miyagi leaned casually against the doorframe.

“Can’t sleep?” he asked, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb the deer still sleeping inside.

Legosi started a little, then gave a humorless chuckle. “Guess not.”

Miyagi stepped closer, giving the other wolf space but joining him at the railing. The estate grounds stretched below them like something from a dream: moonlit hedgerows, dark velvet gardens, and the faint shimmer of the ornamental pond in the distance.

They stood in silence for a few moments.

Then Legosi exhaled sharply. “I don’t understand you.”

Miyagi glanced sideways. “You’re gonna have to be more specific, Legosi.”

Legosi shook his head. “I mean this. All of this. You… share your lover. I know threesomes happen, I’ve heard of stuff like this. But I never thought I’d be part of one. Never thought I’d want to be.”

Miyagi was quiet for a beat, then spoke gently. “I didn’t think I’d be in one either. Not seriously, outside of the night mask party. But you and Louis? You’ve been circling each other for a long time. It was bound to happen.”

Legosi looked at him with visible conflict. “You’re just… okay with it?”

“Not like I woke up one morning and thought, ‘Let’s make this weird for fun.’ But yeah. I’m okay with it. Because I know Louis. He’s not the type to let himself be tied down, not without his consent anyway. If he ever chose to leave me, I wouldn’t be able to stop him.”

Legosi’s ears dipped.

Miyagi continued, more softly now. “But while we’re together? I want to make him happy. I like spoiling my lovers and he clearly wants you. So… I want to try making that work.”

There was another silence. Legosi gripped the railing tighter.

“I just… I feel like I’m intruding. I keep thinking, what if I ruin what you two already have? Or ruin my friendship with Louis? My last relationship wasn't that long ago, and I made a mess of that as well!”

Miyagi gave a low huff. “It’s not like Louis is some fragile porcelain doll. He’s been through more than I know, and somehow came out composed as hell. He can handle himself. You’re not ruining anything.”

Legosi stared out at the gardens, brows furrowed. “You’re both so put together. And I feel like I’m barely keeping it together. I have all these thoughts I shouldn’t. I keep wondering why I can’t just let things go. Why I keep making things messy.”

Miyagi reached out and gently rested a hand on Legosi’s shoulder. “You’re not messy. You’re just young. Loving someone who isn’t another grey wolf isn’t the end of the world.” Not anymore, at least. But Legosi was looking troubled enough; there would be a better time to discuss politics.

Legosi flinched slightly but didn’t pull away. After a pause, he said, “I don’t want to sound judgmental. It’s not my place. You know, I never really liked talking about this with anyone. But not talking hasn't exactly helped me, so maybe...”

Miyagi didn’t speak, just listened.

Legosi took a breath. “My family… it’s complicated. But cross-species attraction isn’t new to me. My grandfather was a Komodo dragon.”

Miyagi raised an eyebrow, glancing over at him. “Really? That’s… unexpected.”

Usually signs of hybridity should be visible at Legosi's age. Then again, if his father was also a grey wolf then he would only be a quarter reptile, right?

Legosi gave a tight smile. “Yeah, I don’t really talk about it much. My mother… she was beautiful. I mean, really beautiful. Model-beautiful. And she hated that her features were starting to change. You know, the scales, the claws. It was slow, but she panicked. Had a one-night stand before it got worse. That was me.”

Miyagi’s expression softened.

“She tried to hide it,” Legosi went on. “Grandpa… she was embarrassed of him. She never even told me my father’s name. Just said he wasn’t important.”

Miyagi frowned. “You can’t ask her now?”

Legosi shook his head, his voice barely audible. “She’s gone. I think… I think she didn’t even remember his name. Or didn’t want to.”

Miyagi winced sympathetically. Damn. His performance must’ve been forgettable if she couldn’t even be bothered to remember that much. He kept the thought to himself, insulting the absentee father wouldn’t help anything, and Legosi looked worn enough as it was.

Legosi gave a bitter smile. “He was merely a way for her to have a child, nothing more. I only know he was a purebred grey wolf and an aspiring actor. That’s it.”

Legosi smiled, shaking his head and his gaze directed somewhere far away. “I’ve never blamed her for it. She did what she thought she had to. Still… I sometimes wonder who he was.”

Miyagi hummed, considering the conundrum. “Well, you’re not exactly alone in that mystery. Canines make up a huge portion of actors, our social instincts make us naturals in front of a crowd. And wolves? We’re the largest group in that pool. There could be a hundred out there who’d fit the bill.”

That was a very optimistic estimate too; Miyagi could name a good dozen actors off the top of his head who’d meet those criteria. And that was without counting all those aspiring actors who’d never made it to the big leagues.

Legosi gave a quiet, breathy laugh, weary but genuine. “Yeah. I’ve thought about that, too. Sometimes I wonder…  is it just idle curiosity? There’s no real way to know, and honestly, what would I do with the knowledge? I mean, what would I even say to him?”

The wolf looked pensive, his gaze drifting across the gardens below them. “I just… it feels so weird; I want to meet someone I know next to nothing about. At the very least, I’d really like to at least know who he is.”

“Legosi, your feelings are normal,” Miyagi said, stretching his arms over the balcony railing. “Wanting to know your own origins is a pretty common desire.”

Legosi nodded, then grew quiet again. The faintest edge of gold touched the horizon as the night surrendered to dawn. In the far distance, pale streaks of morning light kissed the tops of Cherryton’s tallest buildings and spilled over the treetops surrounding the estate.

Legosi broke the silence again, hesitantly. “Also, uh… I’m… not really attracted to carnivores.”

Miyagi didn’t flinch. He turned his head slightly and looked at the younger wolf, his expression unreadable for a moment before he replied, easy and calm, “Yeah. I noticed.”

Legosi glanced sideways, ears twitching nervously. “You’re not… offended?”

Miyagi glanced at him sidelong, noting the nervous flick of his ears. “Like I said, you weren’t exactly subtle. You’ve been laser-focused on Louis from day one.”

Legosi looked mildly embarrassed but nodded. “Still, no offense.”

“None taken,” Miyagi replied, smiling. “I’m not about to throw a tantrum just because someone’s not into me. I'll respect your boundaries.”

There were other factors too, of course. Legosi was handsome enough, but Miyagi preferred his partners to be smaller than himself. There was also the lack of genuine attraction he felt towards the younger wolf now that Louis wasn’t present.

The two of them stood in silence again as the sun finally crested the distant skyline, casting soft, golden rays over the sleeping countryside. The light pooled across the balcony and wrapped around them both in gentle warmth.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Miyagi said quietly.

Legosi gave a soft grunt of agreement, his expression more peaceful than before.

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the distant rooftops of Cherryton and spilled across the estate grounds, Miyagi felt something warm stir in his chest. A feeling of cautious optimism, threaded with acceptance and something like hope. Louis had chosen this path, and so had he.

And maybe, just maybe, it would all work out.

Louis woke with a start, blinking at the filtered sunlight spilling through the heavy curtains. A glance at the antique clock on the bedside table made him wince: well past ten. He never slept in this late, especially not with so much to do. The sheets beside him had long since cooled: neither Miyagi nor Legosi were still in bed.

He dragged himself to the bathroom and stepped into a hot shower, the scalding water slowly dragging him out of his daze and cleansing his fur of the tacky residue of last night’s pleasures. He made a mental note to check in with both wolves, assuming they hadn’t regressed to glaring at each other by now.

Just as he was toweling off, his phone buzzed from the nightstand. A call from his company headquarters; either Renauld wanted to talk business or something had happened, there was nothing that should require his attention. Curious, Louis answered with a crisp, “Louis speaking.”

The secretary on the other end sounded just as sharp. “Good morning, sir. Just confirming your and Mr. Legosi’s appointment next Friday at Hinode Medical Services, as entered into your planner.”

Louis frowned, pausing mid-step as he reached for his robe. “I’m sorry, appointment?”

“Yes, sir, it’s scheduled for late afternoon. It is marked as important, hence the reminder, though the note is a little unclear. According to the time stamp, you entered it while you and Mr. Legosi were still hospitalized, following the downtown incident.”

But he didn’t—

His heart gave a single, hard thump.

The fake nurse.

Louis paled, his mouth going dry. “Ah yes. That. Apologies, I completely forgot,” he said, forcing an easy laugh into his voice. “We were still quite disoriented then, and I must’ve made the note during recovery. Likely nothing serious, just a check-in I didn’t want to forget.”

“Understood,” the secretary said. “Shall I confirm it on your behalf?”

“No, I’ll handle it, thank you. Just send me the details.”

The call ended, and within moments he had the appointment time, address, and accompanying documentation forwarded to his inbox. He stared at the screen, his jaw tightening. Hinode Medical Services. The name was completely unfamiliar, but then again, whatever criminal group the pony was part of seemed to highly prize its anonymity. It sounded innocuous enoug, generic, even.

Whoever had sent the nurse at the hospital had planned further ahead than he’d thought. In the whirlwind of work he’d almost forgotten the pony’s threat.

Legosi was given a miracle. And he didn’t even have to pay for it. But you will. Because nothing in life is free, and his recovery is only temporary if he doesn’t get his medicine.

He exhaled slowly, forcing calm back into his expression as he quickly composed a follow-up email, forwarding the appointment details to Legosi. No sense alarming him, yet. He’d have to figure out a convincing reason to get the younger wolf to go to a clinic appointment for an injury that he’d believed long since healed.

There was also the continuing issue of the market’s resurrection, dealing with his Beastar duties, finally getting in touch with River’s assistant now that the heat had died down…

He’d dealt with politics, gangs, and the intricacies of social manipulation for years now. What was another cloud when he was already weathering a storm?

His long-neglected planner went straight into the trash; he’d wanted to get a newer model anyway. Preferably one with better security.

Rex, did Louis need his morning coffee.

Chapter Text

The sun streamed through the arched windows of the dining hall, catching on the glinting silverware and the delicate floral patterns of the porcelain dishes. Louis, ever eager to be the picture of restrained elegance, took his seat with deliberate nonchalance, even though his mind felt anything but composed. He buttered his croissant with mechanical precision, eyes subtly flicking between Miyagi’s broad smile and Legosi’s animated expression. The contrast from the night before was stark, almost jarringly so.

“…so I told him, ‘If you want a dramatic monologue about vengeance, don’t cut it with upbeat jazz in the background!’” Miyagi chuckled, his voice warm and theatrical, the kind of laugh that filled a room with practiced charm.

Legosi laughed too, genuinely. “Wait, wait— was that Chasing Moonlight? The one Haru liked?”

Miyagi snapped his fingers. “Exactly. One of the worst editing jobs I’ve ever seen. You try weeping on a rainy rooftop while the soundtrack plays what sounds like a retro soap commercial. It didn’t even fit the genre; I was getting ready to make a sacrifice to Rex when the director finally caved and agreed to change it.”

Legosi leaned on the table, eyes glinting. “I was with Haru when she first watched it. She couldn’t stop giggling during your dramatic chase scene.”

Louis took a slow sip of coffee to mask the twinge in his jaw. Ah, Haru again. Of course. She haunted Legosi’s stories like a ghost, one that couldn’t decide whether to be mourned or exorcised.

“I seem to recall Miyagi telling that exact story during our first dinner together,” Louis said smoothly, reaching for the berry jam. “Though I believe Legosi was far too focused on the risotto and wine to listen at the time.”

Legosi gave a sheepish grin and rubbed the back of his neck. “Guilty. I, uh, wasn’t the most gracious guest back then.”

“You were polite enough,” Miyagi said with a smirk, “if you don’t count the murderous stares.”

“I didn’t murder you with my eyes,” Legosi protested, then glanced at Louis. “Did I?”

“Repeatedly,” Louis said dryly, but there was an unmistakable glimmer of amusement in his eyes. He allowed the moment to stretch just long enough before breaking into a more serious tone. “Still… I’m surprised. You two seem to be getting along.”

Try as he might, Louis found it a little off-putting. Did having sex really lead to such drastic shifts in a carnivore’s behavior?

Miyagi shrugged, the lazy confidence in his shoulders belying something more thoughtful beneath. “We had a good talk last night. Sometimes it helps to clear the air when you stop performing. I do enough of that at the studio, thank you very much.”

Louis’s gaze sharpened subtly. Did he miss something important between the two? In the end, he let the moment pass. He was well-acquainted with the art of patient inquiry. Legosi would share when he was ready or he’d blurt it out once Louis stared at him for long enough. Either way, pressing now would only cast a shadow on their fragile progress.

If his two favorite wolves were no longer sizing each other up for a fight, who was he to complain?

“Where’s Azuki?” Louis asked instead, finally realizing that her seat, usually set with delicate lavender, remained untouched.

Legosi looked up from his plate. “Left early. Something for her father, apparently.”

“Of course she did.” Louis groaned, setting down his fork. “Which means she definitely saw that you stayed the night again.”

Miyagi snorted into his mimosa. Legosi turned a deeper shade of red under his fur.

“She didn’t say anything,” Legosi offered weakly.

“She never does,” Louis said with a sigh. “But mark my words, she’s going to mention it in the most inconvenient way possible. Probably during dinner or somewhere else that leaves you without an easy exit. ‘Oh, and Legosi, how’s the guest bedroom? Or have you graduated to the master suite?’”

Miyagi nearly choked laughing. “I like her.”

“You would,” Louis muttered.

The three fell into a rhythm, and for a few precious minutes, the atmosphere felt almost normal. Not his hectic normal, nor high-stakes-criminal-investigation normal but something far more elusive. Something domestic.

Pity it couldn’t last.

“Legosi, I forgot to tell you something. You’ve got a check-up appointment coming up on Friday; I had it arranged at while we were at the hospital.” Louis made sure to keep his face relaxed and voice nonchalant. The last thing he’d needed on top of everything else was for Legosi’s health to start suffering.

“Really? Why though, I feel fine. Not so much as a crick in my neck.” The wolf empathized this by cocking his head to the right, then left, before giving a non-committal shrug.

“Yes, I know, but spine injuries are dangerous and we’re both in a rather high-risk profession. Do you really want to find yourself in a sticky situation while chasing down a serial killer? And for so embarrassing a reason, too?”

“You should listen to Louis; you might be young and strong, but your body won’t thank you for neglecting your health.” Louis wanted to kiss Miyagi; finally another voice of reason.

“Fine, fine. Just send me the date and address, I’ll be there.”

As Louis took another sip of coffee, Legosi and Miyagi returned to their animated conversation and breakfast passed without further incident. It was a beautiful day outside too; maybe Louis would just spend the afternoon by the pool today. He’d earned a break.

Friday came a lot sooner than Legosi had anticipated. The week had blurred past him in a haze of Ministry paperwork, awkward training sessions with Louis’s lions, and increasingly strange moments of silence between himself and Louis. The deer had been terribly busy, constantly flitting between his private office, the city’s redevelopment meetings, and the mysterious renovations going on at the estate. Legosi had caught snippets about security overhauls and restructured operations, but Louis had brushed off any deeper questions with the air of someone juggling too many secrets at once.

And then there were the lions.

Legosi still found it funny, darkly so, that Louis had repurposed his former Black Market “associates” into something resembling a private security force. To an outside observer, watching a pride of scarred, burly lions in tailored suits politely open doors for Louis must seem like seeing a nature documentary directed by a mad playwright. It worked, somehow. Louis had a talent for making the improbable look effortless.

The chauffeured car rolled through another intersection. Legosi, staring out the window at the blurred streets of Cherryton, barely registered the turn until a sharp voice snapped through the interior.

“No, I don’t care if the blueprints were mislabeled. If your work was the cause for the blackout during my meeting with the housing commissioner, you will take responsibility and fix it before I am forced to look for someone more competent.”

Legosi blinked back to the present. Louis, seated opposite him with legs crossed and phone in hand, was tearing into the poor electrician who’d apparently miswired the new surveillance system. The deer’s voice was crisp, clipped, and laced with that special blend of eloquent menace only Louis could pull off without raising the volume. It was much easier to appreciate this side of the deer when you weren’t the target of his ire.

The wolf squirmed in his seat. He’d often thought Louis’s voice was one of the stag’s more attractive qualities.

The feel of his fur, his scent, his voice… maybe Legosi had a problem.

After another terse exchange, Louis finally ended the call with a deep, aggrieved sigh. “Why is competence so rare in this city?”

“I think you just scared those electricians into forgetting how wires work,” Legosi offered, lips quirking.

Louis gave him a flat look, then adjusted his cufflinks with a huff. “If they’re that fragile, they shouldn’t be working in private security installation. At the very least, they shouldn’t be working for one of my companies.”

Felix, the ever-silent chauffeur, finally spoke. “We’ve arrived, sir.”

Legosi stepped out into the sunlight and blinked at the building. For something with a name as clinical and sleek as Hinode Medical Services, the actual structure was… painfully average. A squat, concrete thing nestled between two aging commercial buildings in a quieter district of Cherryton. It had the aesthetic of somewhere you’d go to get your taxes filed, not receive cutting-edge medical treatment.

The interior didn’t help the impression. The receptionist, a sloth who looked two minutes away from falling asleep on his keyboard, perked up with a start when they entered the lobby. After a moment’s bumbling, they were directed to the fourth floor. The floor plan inside the elevator revealed quite an eclectic mix of businesses, most of which Legosi had never heard of.

The waiting area that awaited them was more of the same: off-white walls, plastic chairs, ancient magazines. Legosi would’ve sworn he was sixteen again, waiting to get his wisdom teeth out.

But Louis… something in the deer shifted the second the doctor’s receptionist, a pony, entered his field of vision. His entire body went subtly rigid, antlers angled slightly forward in a way Legosi had come to recognize as predatory. The receptionist didn’t seem to notice, thankfully, but Legosi watched his friend out of the corner of his eye, puzzled.

“Everything alright?” he whispered once they were seated.

Louis didn’t answer. His gaze remained locked on the door the receptionist had disappeared through.

Before Legosi could push the question, the doctor called his name.

Dr. Keeran, a soft-spoken Merino sheep with a clipped tone and brisk movements, gave no sign that anything about Legosi’s visit was unusual. He reviewed the wolf’s vitals, asked some perfunctory questions about diet and energy levels, and then prepared the injection. The fluid in the syringe was a deep, alarming crimson, far darker than any medicine Legosi had ever seen.

“You’ll need to come in every other month for monitoring,” the doctor said as he cleaned up. “Any discomfort or side effects, call the number on your appointment slip. Understood?”

Legosi nodded, already pulling his sleeve back down. “Yeah, got it.”

Dr. Keeran turned to Louis. “If I could have a moment of your time regarding payment?”

Legosi opened his mouth, then paused when Louis gave him a tight smile and waved a hand. “Go get our coats, Legosi.”

It wasn’t quite a dismissal, but it was close.

Legosi lingered a heartbeat longer before slipping out into the hallway. As he moved to the coat rack, he tried not to let the unease in his chest settle too deeply. Maybe Louis just didn’t want him seeing the bill. Maybe it was nothing.

But Legosi was already staying in Louis’s house, already leaning far too much on the deer’s wealth and patience. The wolf frowned as he reached for their coats.

He hated feeling like a burden.

The door clicked shut behind Legosi, and Louis didn’t bother to hide the shift in his posture. His back straightened, his breath slowed, and his eyes sharpened as if he were about to enter a battlefield rather than a physician’s consultation room. The drab white walls and humming fluorescent light did nothing to put him at ease.

Dr. Keeran’s face changed the moment they were alone. The bland professionalism melted away, replaced by a calm, slightly amused expression that made Louis bristle. The sheep motioned to the hard plastic chair opposite his desk, the veneer of courtesy in his voice only deepening the deer’s growing unease.

“Thank you, Mr. Louis, for honoring my brother’s invitation,” Keeran said, folding his hands atop a clipboard that Louis suspected was little more than a prop. “I’m very glad to see that Legosi is responding so well. A full recovery was expected, but to show no side-effects at all—remarkable, really.”

Louis sat with slow deliberation, his expression cool, voice like glass. “And how kind of you to help him. Tell me, can we just get a bottle of this miracle medicine to go? I imagine repeated appointments are terribly inconvenient for such a… busy organization.”

Keeran’s smile widened, maddeningly indulgent. “Ah, if only it were so easy. I’m afraid it must be freshly prepared, tailored specifically to the patient’s biology. Stability is… elusive. And forgive my frankness, but I believe it would find its way into a Horns laboratory sooner rather than later.”

Louis’s lip curled. “Stop dancing around the point. How much money do you want to keep him supplied?”

To his surprise, Keeran actually looked mildly apologetic. “It isn’t quite that simple. The core component is… troublesome. Difficult to harvest and impossible to produce to scale. We’re forced to be selective: high prices, sold to a limited clientele. Not ideal, but necessary.”

“And convenient,” Louis snapped. “You just happened to have someone in the hospital at the exact moment we were bombed. Two Beastars, one nearly dead, and your little operation swoops in with a cure-all. You’ll forgive me if I find this sudden charity suspicious, especially considering your other insane sibling wasted no time drugging and blackmailing me right after.”

Keeran leaned back slightly, tone quieting. “You’ve no reason to trust me, I understand that. But please, stop insulting my brothers.”

That did it. Louis surged to his feet, barely containing the fury in his voice. “At least one of your brothers is a goddamn serial killer!”

The sheep’s placid demeanor cracked, his nostrils flaring. “And you’ve chosen to surround yourself with a pride of professional murderers. At least my brother doesn’t kill for something as base as money.”

Louis’s breath hitched. There was venom in that tone, and worse: knowledge. He’d made very sure the Shishigumi’s arrest wasn’t broadcast in the media and they’d kept their heads down after their release. Louis should know; he’d made sure each of them understood the importance of laying low; he got the message even into Free’s thick skull.

Keeran continued calmly, “And those unfortunate deaths? Some of them, I suspect, would’ve been quite disruptive to your redevelopment project. Especially had they uncovered your true objective. You’re welcome.”

Silence hung thick in the room. Louis slowly sat back down, his voice now lower, dangerous. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, spare me the theatrics, I know enough,” Keeran said. “And more to the point, I approve. A rebuilt Black Market, even with you at the helm? Far preferable to letting the remnants rot and reform on their own.”

Louis ground his teeth. The sheep was either a great actor or he wasn’t bluffing. If it was a bluff, it was dangerously precise.

The second Louis was back at the estate he was grabbing Hino and they were going to go over the security protocols.

“Then let’s not waste each other’s time. What do you want?”

Keeran tilted his head. “A place to work once the market is back up and running. We’d prefer somewhere quiet, with a storefront and a lab. Nothing flashy. We dislike attention. Once everything has calmed down, we can talk about payments for further prescriptions.”

“Are you even a real medical practitioner?” As much as Louis wanted Legosi to be safe, he also didn’t want to unleash some mad scientist onto the general populace.

If he was also getting the opportunity to fish for information, he’d take it. Anything to get an edge over these people.

“Please, feel free to check Dr. Keeran’s credentials; you’ll find he graduated from Galdona University with honors. Why, if you asked his professors they’d be flabbergasted to learn he opened a small private practice instead of joining one of Cherryton’s elite hospitals.” The sheep idly scribbled something on his notepad, his body language the very image of confidence before he met Louis’s gaze with a sly look in his eyes. “I assure you, I know what I’m doing. In any event, my results speak for themselves, don’t they?”

In other words, covertly investigating ‘Dr. Keeran’ or his practice would just lead to another dead end while also giving his new business associates ample cause to leave him high and dry. Fantastic.

Louis closed his eyes for a long moment, exhaled, then nodded once. “Fine.”

The sheep’s smile returned, gentle and maddening. “Thank you. I hope we can be, if not friends, at least cordial acquaintances.”

He rose to his feet and walked to the door, pausing before he opened it. “Oh, and one more thing. About the devouring cases; I must beg your patience. I can’t let you arrest my brother, no matter how idiotic he’s been. We’re currently looking for an alternative and I’ll reach out when we have a solution. One that benefits us both.”

Then the door opened, and the world resumed its pretense of normalcy.

The ride back to the mansion felt far longer than it should have. Legosi kept sneaking glances at Louis, who had barely spoken a word since leaving the doctor’s office. The deer sat with his arms crossed, head leaned slightly against the window, antlers casting long, bent shadows over the leather seats of the car. Legosi had never been particularly skilled at reading people, he relied more on instinct and body language than subtlety, but even he could tell something was deeply off.

It had to be the bill. Legosi shifted in his seat, the motion doing little to relieve the gnawing guilt pooling in his stomach.

“Louis,” he said hesitantly, fingers curling against his knees. “I swear, I’ll pay you back. Every cent. Just... might take me a bit.”

Louis looked over, eyes momentarily wide with confusion, as though the idea hadn’t even occurred to him. Then he sighed, long and weary, and ran a hand through his hair before leaning back into his seat.

“You’re impossible sometimes,” he murmured, voice as tired as his expression. Then, without another word, he leaned forward and pressed the intercom button. “Felix, take us to Melusine. I want dinner out tonight.”

Felix didn’t question it. The goat behind the wheel simply gave an efficient, “Of course, sir,” and changed course.

Legosi blinked. “What... happened to the mansion? I thought we were going back.”

Louis waved a hand dismissively. “Change of plans. I’ve decided I want a nice, relaxing evening. Good food. Wine. A place where I don’t have to listen to contractors drilling holes in my walls or bodyguards bickering over keypads. Azuki is at the studio anyway—something about a meltdown involving three actors and a sentient prop. I’m frankly relieved to not be dealing with that disaster.”

Legosi had no idea how to respond to that, so he didn’t. The rest of the ride passed in relative silence, broken only by the hum of the city as it passed them by.

Melusine stood like a temple to elegance at the edge of the Cherryton skyline. All sweeping marble pillars and silver-paneled windows that caught the dying light of dusk like liquid fire. Legosi was already sweating as they pulled up, his reflection warped in the sleek glass of the front entrance.

“Do we— uh— do we even have a reservation?” he whispered as they approached.

Louis gave him a sly smile. “Oh, absolutely not. But I rather think they’ll forgive the oversight. I own the place, after all.”

Legosi barely had time to process that before the maître d’, a dignified antelope with curled horns and an impeccable sense of posture, stepped forward. His brows knit the moment his eyes landed on Legosi’s worn jacket and clearly off-brand shoes, until he saw who was beside him.

Recognition dawned.

“Monsieur Louis! What a delight. Forgive us, we were not expecting a visit tonight.” The maître d’ bowed slightly and turned his attention to Legosi with a sudden warmth. “And your guest, of course. Please, allow me to welcome you both.”

Louis returned the bow with half the effort and twice the charm. “You’re too kind, Eliaz. I’m afraid this was quite spontaneous, we had something worth celebrating, and I decided not to waste the moment. Any chance the emerald room is free?”

The maître d’s chest puffed up with pride. “But of course, monsieur. The emerald room has not been booked this evening. It would be our greatest honor to prepare it for you.”

Moments later, Legosi found himself being ushered through velvet-draped halls, past sculptures and glass mosaics and art that probably cost more than his entire life’s worth. When they reached the emerald room, his jaw nearly dropped. Soft jade walls, a crystalline chandelier dripping from the ceiling, and a table set for two with gold-rimmed plates and a folded napkin that looked like it had been sculpted by a magician.

Eliaz presented them with a small silver bell. “Should you require anything, monsieur, simply ring.”

Louis smiled. “Merci, Eliaz. Nous prendrons le menu du soir, un pour carnivore, un pour herbivore.”

“Très bien,” Eliaz said with a pleased bow, and departed without another word.

Legosi sat down, hands folded awkwardly in his lap as he looked around. “You sure this isn’t too much?”

Louis, already pouring a glass of wine, gave him a look that bordered on indulgent exasperation. “Legosi. If there was ever a time for too much, it’s now.”

Legosi didn’t quite understand what he meant but he didn’t argue. He just leaned back, tried to enjoy the comfort, and told himself that maybe, just maybe, it was okay to have a beautiful evening once in a while.

Still, the wolf was a little confused. He scanned the elegant table once more, eyes flicking from the fine crystal glasses to the delicate arrangement of cutlery, polished to a shine that nearly reflected the soft glow of the chandelier overhead, but no menus. He frowned.

“Uh, Louis? I think they forgot something. There aren’t any menus.”

Louis didn’t even glance up as he unfolded his napkin across his lap. “That’s because there aren’t any menus. Not in the rooms, anyway. They only do multicourse meals or special orders in the private dining spaces. I ordered for both of us. Seasonal dishes, chef’s recommendation.”

Legosi blinked. “Oh, so that’s what you told the waiter? That’s… efficient.”

“This is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. One of the oldest in the conglomerate, actually. My great-grandfather was one of the original founders, even if he was only involved with the financial side,” Louis said, finally lifting his gaze and offering a small, nostalgic smile. “The chefs know what they’re doing.”

If Legosi had learned anything about Louis’s late father, then that his family’s legacy had meant the world to him. Louis had regaled the wolf with many a story about Oguma’s character; apparently that particular quality ran in the family.

Whatever Legosi had been about to say vanished as the first course arrived, ushered in with quiet dignity by the serving staff. What followed was a parade of dishes that looked as though they belonged on the cover of a culinary magazine: beetroot carpaccio with citrus drizzle, grilled mushroom skewers glazed in a ginger reduction, steamed vegetables sculpted like flowers, and meat replacements so convincingly crafted Legosi had to fight to urge to double-check they weren’t the real thing. Everything was herbivore-focused, with carnivore-adapted counterparts following shortly for Legosi, each portion plated with the same reverence for aesthetics and taste.

Louis dismissed the server after the main course was cleared away, allowing them to linger undisturbed beneath the soft, golden light.

Something about the sudden quiet made Legosi’s ears perk with suspicion. Louis was staring at him now, not in that usual unreadable way, but with intent. It made the fur along Legosi’s spine stiffen.

Here it comes, he thought. The bill must’ve been outrageous. Or maybe Louis wanted him to move back to the apartment, the one still haunted by Haru’s memory. Or worse, maybe last night had been a mistake. Maybe the deer was about to say they’d gone too far.

The wolf braced himself.

Louis exhaled slowly, his posture elegant but uncharacteristically hesitant. “Legosi… would you be interested in dating?”

Legosi froze.

His jaw hung open for a second longer than he’d like to admit. A noise escaped him, somewhere between a squeak and a grunt, and he blinked at the deer across the table.

Louis, mercifully, continued, though he didn’t quite meet Legosi’s eyes now. “I realize I’m doing this entirely backwards. You’re supposed to ask something like this before you share a bed, not after. But I’ve never been particularly good at waiting until the appropriate moment, and our situation is already unconventional enough. Still, if you aren’t opposed…”

He trailed off, but Legosi, still stunned, finally found his voice.

“Yes.”

Louis looked up.

“I mean— yes. I’d… like that.”

Legosi would deal with his guilty conscience and doubts later; if Louis was offering him a part of his life he’d take it, no matter how many strings it came with.

Louis’s expression shifted from wary vulnerability to something dazzling. He reached across the table and touched Legosi’s paw, his touch feather-light. “Good.”

They shared a brief, sweet kiss, no fanfare, no dramatics. Just the gentle press of muzzle to muzzle, more promise than passion.

Dessert arrived not long after: delicate fruit pastries and sugar-dusted cakes arranged on porcelain trays. Legosi barely tasted them. His mind was still caught in the warm haze of Louis’s smile, and the quiet realization that herbivores, contrary to what many carnivores thought, truly were the most breathtaking creatures in the world.

Chapter Text

Priscilla, the late Dr. Rivers’s chief assistant, was pretty much what Louis had expected her to be: sad, slightly disheveled and surrounded by a faint air of depression. Her home was modest but immaculately clean, filled with neatly stacked papers and bookshelves groaning with forensic and genetic literature. It was obvious she missed her boss deeply, even if she apparently did not allow her state to be reflected in her apartment. Her tired eyes lit up slightly at the sight of the Beastars, and she ushered them in with the kind of warmth reserved for old colleagues. There was a solemn gratitude in her voice as she expressed her appreciation that the investigation into the Café bombing was still ongoing.

Louis felt faintly uncomfortable even as Legosi seemed to make all the right sympathetic noises; the deer, by contrast, had never been the comforting kind.

“I didn’t expect anyone to keep pursuing this after what happened,” she admitted, her tone soft and wistful. “Especially not you two. I heard you were caught in the explosion yourselves.”

Louis and Legosi exchanged a look, the memory of being flung clear across the Café still vivid in the stag's mind. Legosi nodded, offering a small smile. “We were just lucky. Dr. Rivers wasn’t.”

The beaver sat down heavily, her whiskers twitching in a frown. She offered tea, which they politely declined, and turned the conversation to her late boss’s research.

“After the police chief and Yafya started putting on the pressure, your case had top priority” she began, picking at a crease in her pants. “Trying to help them make sense of these inexplicable devouring cases. And just when we were finally making headway…”

Legosi leaned forward, his voice calm and encouraging. “Can you tell us more about what you found?”

She sighed, clearly frustrated. “We had just started to isolate some consistent genetic defects among the suspects. Not environmental or behavioral markers, but actual mutations in their DNA. Specifically, around the areas controlling cell reproduction.”

Louis furrowed his brow. “That seems like something for oncologists to find.” He recalled Rivers talking about the sample of the Merino sheep; Rivers had said it was probably cancer, but if more than one of the suspects had the same defects that seemed unlikely.

But genetic defects were heritable, and Dr. Keenan had said they were brothers...

Priscilla nodded. “Exactly. It’s the kind of thing you wouldn’t notice unless you were looking very closely. Those regions of DNA are nearly identical across species, so they’re practically useless for forensics. No one thinks to check them.”

She paused, expression hardening. “And then just as we were about to request additional tests, the Department of Defense stepped in. They shut us down. Confiscated everything. Said it was a matter of national security.”

Legosi’s ears perked slightly, and he glanced at Louis, who looked grim but unsurprised.

“Did they give a reason?” Legosi asked.

“Not a word. Just a directive. I couldn’t even protest.” Priscilla rubbed her arms, as though trying to banish the chill of that moment. “I’m not a geneticist. I couldn’t have taken the research further without Rivers. My area is forensics; he was the one who knew how to dig into the DNA.”

For a moment, the apartment was quiet, filled only with the faint hum of an old refrigerator in the next room. Then Priscilla stood up, walked to a side table, and opened a drawer. She returned with a small USB drive and held it out to Louis.

“I made a copy,” she said, almost guiltily. “I don’t think they realized. Most of it’s there. Maybe someone you know can make sense of it. I can’t do anything with it now. The lab is shut down, and without Rivers...”

Louis took the USB, his fingers brushing hers as he accepted it. “Thank you. You might have just given us the first real lead we’ve had in weeks.”

Priscilla smiled faintly. “I hope so. Rivers would have wanted someone to finish what he started.”

Legosi pocketed the drive carefully, and the two agents stood. As they left, Priscilla lingered in the doorway, watching them with quiet hope.

“Be careful,” she called after them. “If the Ministry didn’t want that getting out… you might be walking into something dangerous.”

Louis gave a tired, rueful smile over his shoulder. “We usually are.”

The dining room of the estate was filled with the warm midday light filtering in through the tall windows, casting soft reflections off the silverware and china. Louis, still holding the USB in his pocket like it was some kind of dangerous relic, tried his best to relax. Still, his thoughts remained with Priscilla’s warning and the question where in the world he could find a discreet geneticist, at least until his attention drifted back to his present company.

Azuki, radiant in a pale yellow dress and as socially graceful as ever, made pleasant conversation with the wolf and deer. She asked about their day with genuine interest and eagerly shared news about her latest initiatives on behalf of the Cherryton Botanical Gardens.

“The irises are finally blooming again in the western greenhouse,” Azuki said brightly, sipping from her glass. “We thought we’d lost them during the cold snap, but one of the junior botanists had the good sense to propagate cuttings just in case. They’re quite stubborn little things, it turns out.”

“That’s great to hear,” Legosi replied politely. “I always liked irises. They’re sort of... dignified, you know?”

Azuki smiled at him. “Exactly. I said the same thing. They have that kind of stoic beauty.”

Louis, however, couldn’t shake a growing unease. As his wife laughed lightly at something Legosi had said, he felt the hairs along the back of his neck stand on end. It took him a few more moments to place what felt off: the servant who had been attending them was suddenly nowhere in sight, and more oddly, the usual background noise of the household, such as the staff and other residents taking lunch in the side room, was conspicuously absent.

He tried not to show his discomfort as Azuki smoothly pivoted the conversation toward relationships.

“And how have you been, Legosi?” Azuki asked, spearing a piece of roasted squash with her fork. “You’ve seemed much lighter this week. Things must be looking up.”

Legosi hesitated before answering. “Yeah, I guess... It’s been weird, honestly. After everything with Haru, I thought I’d feel worse, but I don’t. It just feels like we were heading in different directions. Maybe we were never meant to be.”

Azuki nodded, placing her utensils down with delicate precision. “Couples should talk about their troubles,” she said gently. “Ideally, they should make up for each other’s flaws. Like how I handle Louis’s social obligations, and he makes up for my lack of sexual interest by having plenty of it himself.”

Legosi immediately choked on his water, eyes bulging, coughing loudly. Louis pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation, not remotely surprised. In fact, he would take bets that his dear wife had timed her remark precisely just to see if Legosi would spray him with seltzer. Azuki’s tendency to be blunt in the worst moments had long since ceased to shock him, but this particular display was spectacular even by her standards.

Legosi flailed to redirect the conversation, stammering something incoherent. “I—uh, I mean— I don’t think I— That’s not really— uh... nice weather today, isn’t it?”

Louis felt a mixture of embarrassment and sympathy; the poor wolf couldn’t talk his way out of a paper bag.

Azuki just laughed, obviously enjoying the chaos she had unleashed. “So,” she said, grinning brightly, “can I expect to see you more regularly, Legosi?”

Louis gave a deadpan nod. “Yes. Expect regular visits. He’d be over for work anyway; the renovations in the side building are almost done, now that the security system is working.”

The wolf gave a strangled noise in reply, halfway between a protest and a whimper.

Azuki, entirely unbothered, rose from her seat and walked around the table to take Legosi by the arm. “Good. Come along, then. We’ll find a room in the family wing for you. No sense in putting you in the guest suites when you’ll be here often.”

Legosi turned back toward Louis with wide, panicked eyes, silently begging for rescue. The stag merely shrugged. His phone buzzed in his pocket with a new message from Grace.

He read it quickly: one of her assistants had just secured the final purchase agreement for the necessary land. The official announcement for the COMPASS initiative could proceed as they’d planned.

Louis allowed himself a tight smile. Another social event. Oh joy.

As Azuki led Legosi through the mansion’s winding hallways, the wolf couldn’t help but feel awkward. The family wing of the estate felt much more intimate, with thick carpets muffling their steps and towering windows that let in streams of light, refracted into colors by the stained-glass borders. The silence was almost eerie, punctuated only by the occasional soft murmur of Azuki talking to herself about color schemes.

“Red would be too aggressive… perhaps a deeper shade of green for the drapes,” Azuki mused, tapping her chin thoughtfully as she walked just ahead of him. Legosi followed dutifully, his ears twitching nervously with each step. He tried, twice, to start a conversation, once about her work with Miyagi, another time about the lovely gardens he’d seen through the windows, but both times Azuki merely hummed in acknowledgment, too deep in thought to truly engage.

When they finally reached the room, she threw open the door with a flourish. “Here we are. I think this will do nicely,” she declared, stepping aside to let Legosi through. He entered cautiously, looking around. The room was spacious but not overly grand, with high ceilings and tasteful decorations. A four-poster bed, large enough for someone even of Legosi's height, dominated the space, and a tall bay window looked out onto the gardens below. Sunlight spilled across the hardwood floors, warming the space with a soft glow.

Legosi stood awkwardly by the doorway, rubbing the back of his head. “Um... Azuki,” he began nervously, his voice catching slightly. “I just wanted to, uh... apologize.”

Azuki blinked at him, her expression a mixture of surprise and mild amusement. “Apologize?” she repeated, her voice lilting with genuine curiosity.

The wolf nodded earnestly. “I... I mean, I didn’t want to disrespect you. Louis and I... it just happened, and I didn’t think about—”

Azuki chuckled softly, waving him off. “Oh, Louis did it again, didn’t he? He didn’t explain a thing.” She gestured for him to sit beside her on the bed. Legosi hesitated, then did as she asked, perching stiffly on the edge of the mattress. Up close, Azuki’s presence was almost disarming. Her eyes were sharp but not unkind, and she regarded him with a sort of mild curiosity, as though observing a particularly interesting specimen.

“Did he at least mention that our marriage is arranged?” she asked, folding her hands neatly in her lap. Legosi nodded quickly, glad to have some grounding in the conversation. “He did, yes. He mentioned that... and Miyagi mentioned that you know about him and Louis.”

Azuki’s eyes brightened with clear relief. “Good. That makes this conversation far easier.” She crossed one leg over the other gracefully. “You see, my father is northern nobility. A baron. I was raised with tradition and expectations. An arranged marriage wasn’t something I fought against. I didn’t see a reason to. Louis and I... we both understood what was expected of us.”

Legosi listened intently, his nervousness slowly giving way to curiosity. “So... you don’t mind?” he asked, his ears twitching as he tried to read her expression.

Azuki smiled at that, not unkindly. “I would mind a public scandal,” she said honestly. “Louis has always been careful, discreet... and I expect the same of you.” Her gaze sharpened, appraising him. For a moment Legosi was reminded of Louis and suppressed a whimper. “Will that be a problem, Legosi?”

He shook his head rapidly. “No, not at all. I don’t... I wouldn’t want that either.”

The thought of being chased by a horde of journalists and having his affairs smeared across every paper in Cherryton was enough to make his fur stand on end. The certainty that Louis would be so disappointed with him was only adding fuel to the fire.

“Excellent.” Azuki rose gracefully to her feet, smoothing out her dress. Legosi's eyes drifted to her midsection, and he couldn’t help but notice the swell of her stomach, more prominent now even with the clever tailoring of her dresses. She was definitely starting to show.

As she moved toward the window, Legosi found his voice. “If... if you don’t mind me asking, why did you bring it up at lunch? If you don’t mind?”

Azuki turned back to him, her expression mildly amused. “Ah, well. It was mostly because Louis failed to mention Miyagi’s name the first time. It led to quite the awkward introduction when I invited him to the party celebrating your appointment as Beastars.” She gave a little laugh, shaking her head as though the memory was more entertaining than embarrassing.

Legosi’s ears folded back a little in disbelief, and Azuki took out her phone, already dialing a number. “Excuse me, I need to call the interior decorator to get started on your room. If I leave it up to Louis, I’m sure you’ll be stuck with nothing but beige. Oh, feel free to put up pictures or set out mementos if you like, once everything is ready the room is yours to do with as you please.”

As she walked out of the room, Legosi was left alone on the edge of the bed, still processing everything that had just happened. It was strange how unbothered everyone seemed about his presence. At least he had a place he could sleep at that wasn't a hotel or made him feel like an intruder. He really needed to start figuring out how to move his things out of Haru’s apartment. Maybe he should rent a small storage unit?

Looking around the room, Legosi was once again struck by the realization that it was almost twice as large as his old apartment. The walls did look a bit bare though; perhaps he really should put up a few pictures? If they ran their investigation from the estate then having a convenient place to sleep nearby would be a god sent.

It was still hard for the wolf to wrap his head around his new reality, but if everyone was just fine with what he and Louis were doing… maybe accepting that things were working out for once was ok?

Bill could not believe that everyone was just fine with what Pina was doing.

The tiger and Dall sheep were walking through the prison, a dull, grey, and depressing building that made his skin crawl every time he entered it. Pina had told him he’d arranged for visits every other week when he started modeling, and Bill believed him. Pina had stuck to the agreement ever since the tiger started working for the sheep, excluding long-term shoots outside of Cherryton, and even then he’d paid for the privilege of monitored video calls.

The sheep was even tactful enough to dress inconspicuously and keep a low profile, especially inside the prison. Bill hadn’t even known Pina owned plain clothes.

They’d arrived at the visitation room and spotted Riz there, with his metal muzzle strapped firmly to his face and his hands chained to the table. Bill felt queasy as Pina cheerfully skipped over to the brown bear, the tiger acutely remembering Pina’s retelling of Riz’s actions: the bear had threatened the sheep, fought Legosi and Louis and yet…

Bill used to like Riz. Even knowing what he did, he still felt sorry for the brown bear, though it was probably easier for him since he’d never been close to Tem. Still, Riz’s loss of control had irreparably wrecked his own life and ended Tem’s, so the tiger was at a loss that out of all possible people Pina was the one to still support the convicted bear.

On days like these, Bill didn’t understand Pina at all. Pina had allowed much nicer, less dangerous people to drift out of his life, and yet he stayed by Riz’s side.

Bill felt... uncomfortable in this place, and studiously ignored everyone but Riz and Pina as the Dall sheep sat opposite the bear. He wondered how many other carnivores in this place were incarcerated for meat eating or related crimes.

The tiger shifted uneasily, hoping that his tailored suit would be enough of a disguise. The prospect of anyone here recognizing him was terrifying. Bill had visited the Black Market often enough in the past, after all.

Pina was talking animatedly with Riz and told the bear all of his latest achievements: the movie he was starring in, his upcoming plans for a perfume, his work modeling for Louis’s company…

Riz was visibly happy to talk with Pina, smiling and nodding to the sheep’s animated explanations, occasionally asking the odd question and paying Pina compliments, which the vain sheep visibly preened at.

Yet all Bill could see was just how terrible Riz looked. The bear had lost so much weight, to the point that the fur on his face was visibly loose. The Riz the tiger remembered had been built like three lockers stacked together; now he was rail-thin and his bones seemed to be too big for the rest of his body. Despite his obvious happiness, Riz looked tired and unhealthy.

How had the tiger never noticed just how troubled Riz was?

Bill felt guilt claw at him and so took a seat next to Pina, to the bear’s surprise and the Dall sheep’s delight. He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Hey, Riz,” he began, his voice softening. “How...how are you doing?”

Riz blinked at him for a moment, clearly taken aback, but then the faintest glimmer of a smile tugged at the corners of his muzzle, stretching the leather straps painfully. “Better now,” he said, his voice slightly muffled by the muzzle but unmistakably warm. “It’s good to see you, Bill.”

The tiger returned the smile, albeit more hesitantly. “Yeah...you too.” He couldn't bring himself to say more, the weight of everything left unsaid pressing down like a heavy hand on his back. But Pina quickly filled the silence, launching back into animated conversation about his work and the latest fashion gala he attended, seemingly undeterred by Riz's chains or the sterile, oppressive atmosphere of the prison.

An hour later, the two of them left the facility, the sun already beginning its slow descent, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement. Pina, ever chipper, stuffed his hands into the pockets of his oversized coat, his eyes glittering with the remnants of cheer from their visit. “I wonder if we could visit more often,” he mused aloud, not quite directed at anyone.

The tiger shook his head. He was pretty sure they’d already discussed this last week over dinner. Of course, the Dall sheep paid for the privilege of having someone else handle the nitty-gritty details of his day to day. At least he paid well. Nevertheless, Bill couldn’t quite suppress a sigh. “We're already at the limit for visitations,” he replied. “Only spouses, lawyers, and direct relatives can come by more frequently. You’re already doing more than most would, Pina. Being this supportive...it’s more than enough.”

The Dall sheep just looked at him, a strange expression crossing his face. “I don’t know if it’s enough,” he murmured, almost as if to himself. His shoes clicked lightly on the pavement as they walked, the rhythm oddly soothing in the stillness of the parking lot. “Did you know his parents stopped visiting? Basically disowned him? I haven’t seen them at the visitor’s area even once. And when I asked...” He shook his head, his curls bouncing slightly. “He got so sad, I just stopped bringing it up.”

Bill's brow furrowed. “I didn’t know.”

“I don’t think many do,” Pina said quietly. He glanced up, his eyes sharp with sudden determination. “It won’t matter for much longer, anyway. Riz’s getting out soon. By the end of next year, actually.”

Bill’s eyes widened. “You’re sure?” he asked, disbelief creeping into his voice.

Pina nodded, smiling faintly. “I think Louis pulled some strings to get him a good lawyer back then. He was sentenced as a juvenile, and even with the predation enhancements...he’s getting out on probation. I’ve already started preparing.”

“Preparing for what?” Bill asked, not quite able to mask his concern. Pina had helped to put him in prison, but Riz seemed to enjoy the sheep’s company. It seemed unlikely he’d try to come after Pina once he was released.

Said sheep had already turned his attention to his phone, scrolling through his contacts with the practiced ease of someone entirely familiar with multitasking.

“For his release, silly. I’ve been looking into finding him a place to work; the majority of employers reject predatorial offenders. Most landlords won’t rent to them either: I’ve been looking for months and my list is running short. Riz isn’t exactly flush with cash either; no budget and a rap sheet are a terrible combination.” Pina actually sounded rather put out, as if the notion that people’s opinions weren’t aligning with his own was a tremendously unappealing concept.

They reached the car, the winter breeze whipping around them, scattering leaves across the pavement. Pina’s phone was already pressed to his ear, his voice drifting through the lot as he spoke to his talent agent about some upcoming shoot. Bill watched him, feeling a strange, unsettled sensation curling up in his stomach. Pina’s commitment to Riz, his quiet determination to make sure the bear would have a place in the world when he got out...it wasn’t something Bill had expected from the sheep he’d known back at the academy.

Maybe he didn’t know Pina at all.

Chapter Text

Louis watched as Legosi carefully packed the last of his belongings into the worn cardboard boxes stacked neatly in the living room. The apartment seemed sparse now, echoes of what once was a shared life evident in the empty spaces where framed pictures had hung and the gaps in the bookshelves where personal favorites had been pulled. Haru’s influence was still evident in the soft pastel curtains and the delicate vases that dotted the shelves, each one left untouched by Legosi’s hand. He was leaving them behind, a decision that Louis couldn’t help but silently applaud.

When Louis had first suggested hiring a moving company, Legosi had declined, insisting it wasn’t necessary. Now, standing amidst the few boxes and duffle bags that marked the sum of Legosi’s worldly possessions, Louis could see why. There simply wasn’t much to pack. Legosi, apparently, had opted to leave the furniture and most of the décor with Haru. When Louis had questioned him about it, Legosi had just shrugged, offering a sheepish grin and saying he could always just buy new things.

“Since when did you remember you have money?” Louis couldn’t help but snark, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorframe.

Legosi laughed, the sound a little self-conscious. “I guess I’m just used to scraping by.”

Louis raised an eyebrow, glancing pointedly at the nearly empty living room. “Clearly.”

The last item to be packed away was a glass terrarium, handled with particular care by the wolf. Louis watched, curious, as Legosi gently wrapped it in cloth and secured it inside one of the crates. “Didn’t know you still kept pets.”

Legosi’s hands stilled for a moment before he finished covering the terrarium. “I used to. I had a beetle...Kabu. He died a while back. I haven’t really had the time to look for a new one.”

Louis hummed thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on the terrarium. It was simple, nothing ornate or expensive, just functional. But the way Legosi had held it was telling. There was a softness there, a hint of nostalgia that Louis recognized. It was the same way he sometimes felt when he passed by his mother’s old piano room.

“Why not get another?” Louis asked, crossing his arms. “Or something more exotic? You’ve got the money now.”

Legosi chuckled, shaking his head. “I like all kinds of insects, not just beetles. Especially the weird ones, the ones you don’t see every day. But the bigger ones...they need proper enclosures, climate control, all that stuff. Never really had the space for it.”

Louis considered this, watching as Legosi carefully taped up the last box. It was strange: he knew that Legosi liked bugs of all things, but he’d underestimated how fond the wolf seemed of them. He thought it was just the expense of having a more demanding pet, yet here he was, speaking of them with quiet fondness. And it was then that Louis had an idea. A flicker of inspiration that had him straightening up, his gaze sharpening.

“What kind of insects do you like?” Louis asked suddenly.

Legosi paused, glancing up at him with mild surprise. “Huh?”

“Your beetles. What kind did you keep?”

Legosi rubbed the back of his neck. “Kabu was a stag beetle. I’ve always liked the big ones, rhinoceros beetles, hercules beetles...but really, anything interesting. Stick insects are fascinating too; I used to look at pictures of those massive ones you find in the western jungles. Not really something you can keep in a tiny apartment, though.”

Louis just nodded, his mind already moving three steps ahead. “Maybe you should look into it. Especially since you’re staying at the manor for a while, we’ve got plenty of space. We’ll spend a lot of time working there anyway; Yafya’s headquarters are no longer available.” Which was odd in and off itself; you’d think the city would’ve kept the space for the next Beastars to be appointed.

Legosi smiled, albeit a little sadly. “Yeah...I guess I should.”

Louis simply nodded, his mind already drafting plans for Rexmas. He watched as Legosi carried the boxes to the limousine, his expression softening. He could afford to spoil Legosi and with the knowledge that the wolf liked bizarre insects he could actually do something more personal than the luxurious fur care and spa weekend he’d originally envisioned. Or maybe he could do both?

The thought lingered as he helped Legosi load the last of the wolf’s possessions, their hands brushing briefly over the last box. It was a moment of connection, subtle but there, lingering just long enough for Louis to feel the wolf’s fur. Legosi twitched, and then nervously proceeded to climb into the car, tail wagging behind him.

On the way back to the estate, Louis’s attention was snagged by the familiar sight of Café Champion as the limousine cruised through the busy streets of Cherryton. The deer’s gaze lingered on the building, his lips curling into a faint smile at the memory of his first, fateful encounter with Miyagi in its hazy, smoke-filled interior. “Well, look at that,” he murmured, nodding towards the establishment.

Legosi followed his gaze and stiffened, his ears twitching with discomfort. Café Champion stood out against the more subdued architecture around it, its signage an uncomfortable reminder of expertly disguised hedonism. Louis apparently noted the wolf’s discomfort and couldn’t resist the urge to tease. “You look tense, Legosi,” he observed, his tone deceptively light. “What? Bad memories of Champion? Or…” He let the words hang, grin widening, “Just dreading the idea of spending a night there dancing?”

Legosi blinked, his eyes wide as if he’d been caught off guard. “I— I mean, it’s not really my scene…” he began awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “I’m not exactly a regular.”

Louis chuckled, leaning closer until his elbow rested on Legosi’s thigh, the scent of his cologne warm and familiar. “I noticed,” he replied smoothly. “You always hid backstage with the lighting crew during drama club activities. I don’t think I ever saw you dance once.” He tilted his head, considering. “Miyagi and I had a great time there,” Louis added, his eyes glittering with mischief. “I’m sure you’d enjoy it too.”

Legosi swallowed hard, his gaze flicking nervously to the partition that separated them from Felix, the goat chauffeur, who was oblivious, or, as the wolf hoped, was pretending to be so. Louis had practically climbed into his lap at this point, slender fingers idly playing with the fur on his arm, tracing slow, thoughtless circles. The wolf’s mind felt like it was running in syrup, his thoughts tangled and sluggish. Somehow, he found himself nodding, agreeing to an outing he was fairly certain he’d regret.

Louis smiled victoriously, the expression just a shade too smug, and Legosi felt his ears burn. “Splendid. Keep your next weekend free Legosi.” Of course he would, whatever Louis said he’d do as long as the deer continued smiling at him like that.

Rex, Legosi was such a mess. At least there was no one around to tease him for being so whipped.

Mercifully, the car pulled into the estate’s driveway not a moment later, and Louis finally extricated himself from Legosi’s personal space, though not before giving his ear one last flick for good measure.

Back at the estate, they were greeted by Yuta, Louis’s head butler, who raised a brow at the assortment of boxes they carried. The sheep hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. “If I may be so bold, sir, wouldn’t it have been easier to send someone to assist?”

Louis waved the comment off with an irritated flick of his wrist. “No need, Yuta,” he replied curtly, shooting the butler a look that silenced any further questions. Yuta’s eyes flicked to Legosi, then back to Louis, a glimmer of understanding softening his expression before he nodded crisply and stepped aside.

…Did I just miss something important?

“Very well sir. Also, Mistress Azuki is entertaining guests and asked me to inform you that your presence is requested in the winter garden. Would you like me to call someone to assist you with these?”

As they deposited the boxes near the entrance, Louis shook his head. “No, that’s fine. We’ll do it later.” The stag was already rolling his shoulders, apparently anticipating the tedium of Azuki’s social circle. Legosi could only hope they weren’t the usual group of self-important actors and irritable directors. For someone who used to lead the drama club, Louis had remarkably little tolerance for the antics of professional actors.

Wait, didn’t he mention coming across Pina at some point? Legosi didn’t dare to imagine how that meeting went; Pina loved teasing people and was just the type of person Louis had no patience for.

When they finally made their way to the winter garden, the air was filled with the scent of fresh blooms and the warmth of sunlight filtering through the glass panes. Azuki stood in the center, as radiant as ever, chatting animatedly with Miyagi, a cheetah woman dressed in sharply tailored business attire, and a green parrot who looked painfully nondescript despite his vibrant plumage. Legosi scanned the room and sent up a quick prayer to Rex for small mercies: no Pina in sight.

Azuki waved them over, her smile growing wider. “Louis, Legosi! Come join us. Ah, but where are my manners, introductions are in order.” She gestured gracefully to the cheetah and parrot. “These are Ms. Sybill” she nodded to the cheetah, who smiled brightly, “and Mr. Cornelius.” The green parrot nodded stiffly, his eyes sharp and calculating behind thin-rimmed glasses.

Legosi recognized neither of them but did his very best to pretend he did; Azuki’s friends were bound to be rich, famous or both. He plastered on his most diplomatic smile as he approached, trailing a step behind Louis.

To the doe’s credit, the gathering in the winter garden was quite comfortable, with sunlight filtering through the glass ceiling and casting soft reflections on the polished wooden table. Azuki had arranged for a light lunch, and waiters had already placed delicate plates of hors d’oeuvres, artfully prepared, with vibrant vegetables and carefully sliced cuts of tofu, on the table. Azuki, ever the gracious hostess, gestured for them all to sit, and Sybill, the cheetah dressed in a crisp white blazer that complemented her spots, settled beside Azuki with her assistant was already quietly organizing notes beside her.

“I appreciate the invitation,” Sybill said, her voice smooth and poised. “I’ve been looking forward to discussing this project.”

Miyagi, sitting across from her, grinned widely. “I’ll admit, I’m surprised we’re already talking about the next one. The first movie hasn’t even hit post-production yet.” Quietly the wolf thought that the studio’s confidence in this production was encouraging, it certainly wouldn’t hurt his career either.

Sybill’s eyes glimmered with enthusiasm. “That’s exactly the point. Momentum is crucial. Strike while the iron is hot, as they say. Besides,” she leaned back, fingers tapping gently against her glass of water, “I’ve seen the dailies. You’re going to be a great. No, you’ll be a sensation!” she corrected, flashing a sharp smile. “But the critics won’t go easy on you just because you’re pretty.”

Miyagi chuckled, the sound soft and warm. “You’re flattering me. Pina’s far prettier than me; I think the press will quite happily focus on him.”

Azuki laughed, dabbing the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “Sybill’s right. If this takes off like we think it will, both of you are in for quite the ride. Just ask Louis; he’s the one who goes to the marketing meetings.”

Louis, who had been quietly sipping his tea, raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I’m sure Miyagi’s ready for it. He’s practically made for the camera,” he said smoothly. Miyagi gave him a grateful smile, and Louis nodded back.

Cornelius chimed in for the first time, his voice clear and articulate. “The director was very impressed with your scene work, Mr. Miyagi. She said you bring a kind of...raw authenticity.”

Miyagi blinked, clearly flattered. “That’s...high praise. Thank you.”

Granted, part of that was because he actually had practice when it came to intimacy with male herbivores, and Pina was easy on the eyes, on set and off. When he’d thought of Louis during the first kissing scene, well, that had probably only served to improve his performance.

There was no reason to actually tell either of the two writers about this little detail, though.

“It’s well deserved,” Sybill added, tapping her claws lightly against the table. “And that’s why I would like to involve you in developing your character’s arc in the next screenplay. If you’re interested, that is. My book may be written already, but I’m interested in incorporating your unique twist on the character of Detective Marcello.”

Miyagi hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “I’d be honored, of course.”

The conversation flowed smoothly from there, the group discussing potential ideas for sequels, spin-offs, and character expansions. Miyagi was genuinely impressed by Sybill’s passion and meticulousness; she had ideas scribbled in the margins of her notebook, and every so often, Cornelius would quietly whisper reminders or add context to her points. It was a seamless collaboration, one Miyagi could appreciate, as long as her attention wasn't aimed at him.

Eventually, Louis cleared his throat and made his excuses. “As much as I’d love to continue this,” he began, placing his napkin beside his plate, “Legosi and I need to get some of his things sorted out for the new headquarters. I wouldn’t want to leave everything out in the hall; someone could trip over the boxes.”

Sybill’s ears perked up. “Ah yes, your work for the Ministry of Beast Harmony,” she began, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “I’ve always wanted to pick the brain of an actual Beastar. Unfortunately, Yafya was never available...perhaps you two would be more accommodating?”

Louis hesitated, clearly considering his options. Azuki seized the opportunity, her voice smooth and persuasive. “Oh, you really should indulge Sybill, Louis. She’s been dying to get some real information for her next project. You’d be doing her a favor.”

Miyagi saw the flicker of resistance in Louis’s eyes and stepped in smoothly. “I can help Legosi with the boxes,” he offered cheerfully, already rising from his chair. “I’m sure you’d be a much better conversationalist for this kind of thing, Louis.”

Also, as much as Miyagi loved acting, he wasn’t a writer. He really needed a breath of fresh air while Sybill could focus on someone else for a change. Blessed with talent she might be, but the woman was also a terribly detail-obsessed perfectionist.

Louis shot him a glare that seemed terribly annoyed, but Miyagi only grinned wider. “You’re too kind,” Louis replied dryly, inclining his head. “Fine. I suppose I can entertain you for a while,” he said to Sybill, whose smile was radiant.

Miyagi chuckled, patting Legosi on the back. “Let’s get going, then. I’m sure there’s plenty to haul.”

Legosi blinked, a little startled, but nodded. “Uh…sure, of course. Let’s...let’s get to it.”

The two wolves left the winter garden with a final wave to Azuki, who smiled and sipped her tea serenely as if she hadn’t just orchestrated the whole thing. Miyagi couldn’t help but laugh under his breath as they exited.

Legosi and Miyagi quickly went back for the boxes, their footsteps echoing softly along the marble floors as they carried the crates up the grand staircase. Miyagi, effortlessly balancing a large container under one arm, watched with mild amusement as Legosi navigated his way with a slightly awkward gait, handling his box with the greatest care. When they reached the top, Legosi instinctively turned towards the family wing, but Miyagi cleared his throat, eyebrows raised.

“Isn’t your office the other way? The renovations were in the side building next to the east wing,” Miyagi reminded him, nodding his head in the opposite direction.

Legosi stopped, blinked, and then gave a sheepish grin. “Right, sorry. These boxes aren’t for work; they’re just… personal things. Louis and I cleared out the apartment this morning.”

Miyagi’s expression softened, the older wolf had almost forgotten about that. “That must have been rough.”

Legosi shrugged, attempting nonchalance, but his eyes flickered with something raw. “Yeah… It’s strange. Part of me is relieved. I mean, it wasn’t working out, but… it still hurts sometimes, you know?”

Miyagi nodded, his gaze turning distant for a moment. “Yeah. I get it. Old flames, old friends… Sometimes you don’t even realize what you miss until it’s gone.”

Legosi’s ears twitched, and he gave Miyagi a curious glance, but the older wolf only offered him a gentle smile before they resumed walking. The two made their way down the east wing corridor and reached the room Azuki had prepared for Legosi. Legosi stopped in the open doorway, his entire body going stiff. Miyagi nearly bumped into him and peeked over his shoulder, eyebrows lifting as he took in the lavish setup.

“Well, damn,” Miyagi said, letting out a low whistle. “Azuki really didn’t hold back, huh?”

Legosi slowly stepped inside, his eyes wide as he looked around the room. It was remarkably similar to Louis’s quarters: polished hardwood floors, heavy curtains of dark emerald green, custom-sized furniture that seemed to have been built with a wolf of Legosi’s stature in mind. There was even a hand-carved desk set against the window, overlooking the estate gardens. Everything was immaculate and painfully luxurious.

Miyagi set the box he was carrying down on the bed. “Well?”

Legosi sank into a nearby chair with a deep sigh, running his hands through his fur. “This looks… ungodly expensive. I really should have just rented a small apartment or something.”

Miyagi raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the bedpost. “What’s this about?”

Legosi rubbed his hands together, glancing around the room like he was afraid someone would catch him there. “I wanted to get a small place for myself after the breakup. But Louis convinced me otherwise. He said the estate had more than enough space... I mean, he’s right, but… this?” He gestured to the room around them. “This is too much.”

Miyagi shrugged. “I mean, it does make sense. You two are going to be working out of this place, right? Easier to live where you work.” Rex knew he’d spent many a night on a studio couch when he was still starting out.

Legosi’s ears flicked back, and he sighed again. “I know, I know. Louis said that too. Ever since Dr. Rivers’ lab got raided, he’s been pushing for us to centralize our investigation somewhere the defense department can’t just waltz in and take things. Louis has Horns’ legal department on speed dial; they’d need an army of lawyers just to touch the estate.”

Miyagi crossed his arms. “Sounds perfectly reasonable to me. So… what’s the problem?”

Legosi looked up, his eyes conflicted. “It just feels like… I’m taking advantage of him. Louis spends so much money on me. He bought my suits when we became Beastars. He paid for my medical bills, got me that specialist we visited recently, and now… this.” He gestured helplessly to the room again. “I mean, I like him. Really like him. But I don’t want him to feel like I’m just… using him.”

Miyagi chuckled, unable to resist. “Maybe phrase it differently when you talk to him about it. You do realize you just described the textbook definition of a sugar daddy, right?”

Legosi blinked, his ears perking up. “A… sugar daddy?”

Miyagi raised an eyebrow, wondering if the younger wolf serious or just making an awkward joke. “You really don’t know?” At Legosi’s confused expression, he laughed. “Okay, so a sugar daddy is basically a… wealthy partner who pays for things, sometimes a lot of things, for someone they’re, uh… seeing. Usually someone younger.”

Legosi stared at him, scandalized. “I’m not sleeping with Louis for money!” Legosi sounded genuinely offended, which just served to remind Miyagi that the other grey wolf was, in spite of his impressive stature, a lot younger than himself.

Rex in Heaven, if the press ever catches so much as a whiff of scandal they will descend on him like a pack of starved hyena. No wonder the younger wolf had been given a partner like Louis; as someone born and bred into high society the deer ate tabloid journalists for breakfast.

Miyagi laughed again, patting Legosi on the shoulder. “I know, I know. It’s not like that. But from the outside? I mean, come on, you have to admit it kind of looks like it.”

Legosi’s eyes widened as he processed that. “I… I never thought of it like that.”

Miyagi gave him a sympathetic smile. “Look, you and I know it’s not like that. But sometimes people… they see what they want to see. Just like with me and Louis. I guarantee you some folks would think I’m just trying to sleep my way into fame because he’s rich and technically my boss.”

Legosi’s brows knitted together. “That’s… That’s ridiculous.”

“Tell that to the tabloids,” Miyagi replied dryly. “And with the whole… arrangement between you, me, and Louis? Let’s just say that people would assume the worst.”

Legosi opened his mouth to protest but then shut it, clearly at a loss for words. Miyagi just gave him a firm pat on the back. “Welcome to the big leagues.”

The conversation petered out after that, and they continued unpacking the few boxes the younger wolf had brought, setting aside the folded lids and paper wrappings as they worked. Miyagi raised an eyebrow as he surveyed the items: mostly clothes, a laptop, a few books, a hairbrush, some toiletries, and a handful of mementos. It seemed Legosi really hadn’t brought much with him. Then again, Miyagi supposed it made sense, if Legosi was going to spend most of his time at the estate, furniture and major appliances weren’t exactly a concern.

“You really don’t have that much, huh?” Miyagi commented as he pulled out a stack of neatly folded sweaters and handed them over to Legosi, who began sorting them into drawers. “I figured you’d have more… I don’t know, stuff.”

Legosi chuckled, shaking his head. “I always traveled light. When I moved in with Haru, most of the furniture was paid for by her or her parents; being a delivery boy really doesn’t cover big expenses.”

Miyagi leaned back against the dresser, arms crossed. “That’ll change now. Louis is practically spoiling you rotten. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to shove some designer clothes into your wardrobe by the end of the week.”

The younger wolf flushed slightly, rolling his eyes. “He did suggest I spend a bit more lavishly on myself,” he admitted, stacking a few hardcover novels on the shelf beside his bed. “I’m fine with what I have, though.”

Miyagi snorted. “Good luck convincing him of that. Louis isn’t exactly known for restraint when it comes to people he cares about.”

Legosi paused in his sorting, glancing over at Miyagi. “Is that why you have a room here, too?”

Miyagi grinned, entirely unbothered by the question. “Of course. I can’t actually live here, though, not with my schedule. But it’s nice to have a place to crash after…you know, long nights.” His grin grew wider, eyes glimmering with mischief. “Besides, technically, we’re his... mistresses? No, that’s not quite right, we’re both men...”

Legosi nearly dropped the photo frame he was unwrapping. “We’re his what?”

“Or paramours, if you prefer something fancier,” Miyagi said with a shrug. “But yeah, Azuki probably had these rooms made up as a show of approval. I think she finds the whole thing amusing. I wouldn’t be surprised if the northern territories have actual etiquette for situations like these.” Come to think of it, he was almost certainly right about that. If Miyagi remembered correctly that one regency era drama the older wolf had starred in had something similar as part of the romance plotline.

Legosi blinked, processing that, before looking around the room. “That’s…a little surreal.”

Miyagi laughed. “Get used to it. Being with Louis is basically living in a state of constant surrealism.”

Legosi paused, glancing back at Miyagi. “Could you help me with the rest? I still have to figure out where to hang some of the pictures.”

Miyagi straightened, nodding. “Sure, let’s get it done. And don’t worry about the walls. Azuki won’t mind you taking down a couple of the paintings. According to Louis she redecorates practically every other month anyway.”

Legosi blinked. “She won’t mind?”

“Not at all,” Miyagi replied, reaching for another frame. “The whole point of Azuki putting us in the family wing was to make sure we felt welcome. So…make yourself at home.”

Legosi hesitated for just a moment, then nodded, a soft smile pulling at his lips. “Yeah…home.”

He was about to add more when he noticed Legosi unwrapping a larger, framed photograph from the bottom of the box. The wolf handled it with almost reverent care, holding it by its edges and being careful not to scratch the glass.

Miyagi leaned in curiously, and his eyebrows shot up. The photograph depicted a towering Komodo dragon standing next to a breathtakingly beautiful grey wolf sitting primly on a chair. In between them stood Legosi, tiny and wide eyed, in his Sunday best. Legosi smiled softly as he placed the frame carefully on the nightstand, adjusting it until it was angled just right toward the bed.

“That your family?” Miyagi asked, his voice softer, respectful.

Legosi nodded. “Yeah. That’s my grandfather, Gosha. And my mom.” He gestured to the elegant wolf in the photograph, his eyes lingering there for a moment. “That was taken when I was just about to start primary school.”

Miyagi let out a low whistle. “Your grandfather looks…young. I always forget how hard it is to tell with reptiles.”

“Oh no, he and grandma had mom early. He’s still around, too. A bit less imposing now, but still strong,” Legosi said, his voice full of fondness. “Grandpa loved mom a lot; he was always worried when she went out. Apparently she had a talent for grabbing people’s attention.”

Miyagi hummed appreciatively. “I can see that. Your mother looks positively radiant in the picture. She must’ve been so happy when you were born.”

Legosi’s smile grew wistful. “That’s what grandpa always said.” He stared at the photo for another long moment, and Miyagi could see the hint of sadness flicker across his expression. The older wolf stayed silent, allowing the moment to pass naturally, his gaze still caught by the sheer beauty of Legosi’s mother. Despite the Komodo dragon’s imposing size, she dominated the image with an effortless grace.

The two wolves continued to sort through Legosi’s belongings, but Miyagi’s gaze kept wandering back to that photograph. There was something strangely magnetic about it, a nagging sensation he couldn’t quite shake off.

He was surrounded by beautiful people day in and day out; it was unavoidable part of working in the movie industry. Still, the face of the beautiful grey wolf was so achingly familiar, but not in the way one might recognize an acquaintance.

…She was pretty enough; if she’d applied herself she could’ve had a career. Maybe he’d seen her at an audition or something?

Miyagi forced himself back to the task at hand, helping Legosi stack folded clothes into a closet. “Your mother could have had a great career in modelling or acting,” he commented offhandedly, trying to mask the strange unease growing in his stomach.

Legosi brightened at the praise. “Thanks. My grandpa always says I have her eyes.”

Miyagi swallowed, his mouth feeling suddenly dry. He glanced back at the photograph, the image of the she-wolf with her bright eyes and that soft smile. Then a thought struck him, and he almost tore one of Legosi’s shirts.

She looked so very similar to the woman he’d met at that one mixer…

…What a ridiculous thought.

What had been her name again? Linda? Luna? Lilian? He thought it was something starting with an L.

He tried to laugh it off. “What was her name?” he asked, keeping his tone light, casual.

“Leano,” Legosi replied, still focused on organizing his few belongings.

The older wolf felt his heart lurch violently in his chest. The name hit him with the force of a freight train. Leano. He forced a chuckle, but it came out strained. “That’s... a pretty name,” he murmured, not trusting himself to say more.

The older wolf was desperately trying to recall details about his erstwhile fling from years past. His mind flashed back to a distant memory: Cherryton, years ago. He’d been barely scraping by, picking up minor roles and spending his nights at every club that would have him; anything to get his name out and build connections. There had been a party, some industry mixer he had been dragged to by his agent at the time. He remembered her. A grey wolf, strikingly beautiful, with eyes like the morning mist. He couldn’t recall asking her if she was an aspiring actress, only that she’d been breathtaking and he had still been flying high after landing his first big role.

His mind flicked through the years like pages in a book, searching for more details. The party had been loud, crowded. They’d talked, danced... She’d worn a beautiful, if conservative, dress. He’d felt so confident that night, like the next big star ready to conquer the industry. They’d flirted, and he remembered how every compliment went to his head. He recalled now, how she’d shifted uncomfortably when he placed his hand on her back, a flicker of pain in her eyes. She told him she had scars; ugly blemishes she was obviously self-conscious about.

He’d thought he’d felt their faint pattern against his fingertips. He’d felt so sorry for her in that moment, for such a beautiful wolf’s prospects being ruined by something beyond her control.

Miyagi cleared his throat, masking the tremor in his voice. “You know... I once met a wolf that looked just like her,” he began, voice measured and careful. “It was a long time ago, back when I was just starting out. She was an extra, I think. Or maybe she wanted to be an actress. I don’t remember exactly.”

Legosi perked up, interested. “Really? I don’t remember mom being interested in acting; she always felt uncomfortable in large crowds, even though she tried to suppress it. Are you sure?”

Miyagi nodded. “Yeah. Pretty thing. Had some scars on her back, though. I remember she seemed really self-conscious about them.”

Legosi shook his head, chuckling softly. “That couldn’t have been my mom. She was incredibly self-conscious about her body but she didn’t have any scars.”

The older wolf felt his heart settle back into its rhythm, relief washing over him. “Guess my memory’s just playing tricks,” he said, forcing a smile. “Or maybe it’s just one of those odd coincidences.”

Legosi gave him a sympathetic grin. “Hey, happens to the best of us.”

Miyagi let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. He was being ridiculous. It was just a case of mistaken identity, some overlap of memories. He cast another glance at the picture; she really was a beauty. “It was a silly thought anyway. Your mother clearly had nothing to be ashamed of.”

For some reason, that caused Legosi to halt in his tracks. “Hey... you remember when we talked on the balcony?”

Miyagi stopped near the doorway, looking back at the younger wolf. He remembered it all too well: the way Legosi had flustered, the honesty that had slipped out while they waited for the dawn. “Yeah, I remember,” Miyagi replied, his voice softening.

Legosi seemed to hesitate, his eyes darting to the photograph and back. “My mom… she started growing scales all over her body.”

Miyagi blinked, trying to recall the contents of their conversation. “Right, you mentioned something like that.”

Legosi nodded, running a hand through his hair. “She first noticed them on her back. She stopped wearing backless dresses after that, refused to go swimming. She even started standing with her back against the wall, like she didn’t want anyone to see. In the beginning she just told friends she had some weird skin condition, but… it spread. It just got worse. She stopped leaving the house when it became impossible to hide.”

Miyagi felt the world tilt on its axis. His hand gripped the doorframe, knuckles white. “Scales...” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

He’d never actually seen her back, had he? Not when he’d danced with her, with her pretty dress covering everything. Not even when they’d gone to his room, where they...

Legosi’s father had been an aspiring actor, a handsome grey wolf his mother had only spent a single night with. If he considered Legosi’s current age and counted backwards…

Oh no. No no no no.

Legosi finally looked up, his eyes catching the haunted expression on Miyagi’s face. “Miyagi? Are you alright? You look kinda pale.”

The older wolf forced himself to nod. “Yeah… yeah, I’m fine. I’m just... not feeling great all of a sudden. I think I need to lie down for a bit.”

Legosi’s ears drooped in sympathy. “Oh, of course. Want me to call someone?”

“No, no,” Miyagi said quickly, straightening up and forcing his expression back to neutral. Thank Rex for his acting experience. “I’ll just head to my room. Could you give my apologies to Louis and Azuki?”

“Of course,” Legosi agreed easily. “Take care, alright?”

Miyagi nodded stiffly, turning away before his expression could betray him. His mind was a storm, thoughts crashing against one another with chaotic intensity. It wasn’t possible. It just wasn’t. He headed down the hall, footsteps heavy as if the very air resisted his movement. “I just need to rest,” he muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper. “I’ll take nap and laugh about it later. That’s all it is.”

But the feeling of dread lingered, clinging to his skin like damp mist. And no matter how many times he told himself it was impossible, he couldn’t shake the thought that maybe… just maybe…

He didn’t let himself finish the thought.

This was ludicrous anyway. Meeting your long-lost family like this was the worst sort of cliché; anyone proposing such a storyline would be laughed at in the writer’s room.

The older wolf set his alarm before dropping his phone on the nightstand. He’d just take a short afternoon nap. He was overworked; some rest would do him good and clear his thoughts.

This was just a funny coincidence. Everything was going to be fine.

Chapter Text

The early winter sun filtered in through the high windows of the estate’s renovated side-building, where Louis sat hunched at a modern glass desk beneath the tall beams of the converted space. The once-stables had long since shed their rustic identity, reborn as a sleek, high-security command post for the two Beastars now operating from within. The place was filled with quiet light and silent frustrations.

A migraine pulsed behind Louis's eyes, radiating outward in stubborn defiance of the painkillers he'd already taken. He pinched the bridge of his nose and leaned back in his chair, swiveling slightly to stare at the whiteboard opposite his desk. Lines of photos, dates, blood test results, and names stretched across it like a web, but no matter how often he rearranged the pieces, they refused to give him clarity.

The DNA data from Dr. Rivers's research was the most promising lead they had, and yet it remained a cipher. He’d need someone brilliant, someone both discreet and obsessive. Currently, the stag was considering Deshico for the job. The civet was unapologetic about his activities, but he was also a hybrid specialist with an alarming amount of spare time. More importantly, he was used to working in moral gray zones.

“Could be worse,” Louis muttered, rubbing his temples. “At least I wouldn’t have to involve Yafya.”

But even the notion of contacting Deshico made him pause. The investigation had already run aground. Not only because it lacked leads, but because the very people he now relied on, his new business partners, would not appreciate it continuing. They'd saved Legosi. That was the cost.

He really hoped they came through with a solution because Yafya would be discharged at some point; Louis couldn’t stall forever.

If Louis wasn’t convinced that the data could help him figure out how these people were able to pull off such flawless impersonations he would’ve already tried to get rid of it. Instead, he felt like he was carrying around a live grenade.

At this stage he’d take any reasonable out they were able to offer. Louis knew himself well enough to admit that he’d pick Legosi over justice for a group of strangers any day. If the victim’s profiles were correct he wouldn’t even lose sleep over it.

It was amazing, really, that people outside the Black Market found ways to be worse than those who dwelt within it. As if he needed more of a reason to hold polite society in disdain.

But he couldn’t bury this case without some form of resolution or Yafya would breathe down his neck the second he could stand upright again.

With a sigh, he stood and walked across the room. The whiteboard loomed, full of unanswered questions. He turned his back to it.

The work on COMPASS at least was going well. The invitations to the Rexmas Gala had gone out already; both Legosi and Miyagi would be in attendance. It was where Louis would make the public announcement. Grace had volunteered to be the keynote speaker, a coup he hadn’t dared hope for. The dove’s charity work was as unimpeachable as it was high-profile, and her presence lent the project the kind of legitimacy that couldn’t be bought.

He was still a bit ruffled that she’s gotten involved personally, but at this stage he’d count his blessings and be grateful.

The legal scaffolding was nearly complete too. COMPASS’s front-facing purpose, construction aid, rehousing displaced residents, public-private revitalization contracts, was squeaky clean. Meanwhile, a shell company under his control would handle the black market infrastructure, operating as a sub-contractor that nobody would look too closely at. Even Ten had admitted, after some coaxing, that it was the best compromise he could have made, and the vixen might well be his biggest critic amongst the gangs if recent meetings were any indication.

All of which meant, ironically, that things were going too well. With the major fires put out, Louis was left to stew in the lesser headaches: budgeting discrepancies, low-level corporate espionage, potential media leaks, and now the utterly mundane problem of finding a geneticist with enough free time to decrypt DNA that apparently defied conventional genetics.

He checked the clock.

Eight forty-five.

“Damn.”

He shut down his computer and grabbed his coat. Azuki had insisted he accompany her to her next gynecologist appointment, and Louis had, against his better judgment, agreed. It wasn’t that he disliked the idea. On the contrary, he found himself unnervingly curious to see the ultrasound.

To see his child.

The thought left him breathless in a way he hadn’t expected.

He felt guilty for being grumpy today. Even the staff, normally friendly yet deferential to the point of invisibility, were cheerier than usual. The halls smelled faintly of cinnamon and fresh fir. The whole mansion had begun its subtle transformation into a Rexmas wonderland.

He would have to make time for the festivities eventually. Azuki would insist on it.

Louis paused at the door and glanced one last time at the whiteboard.

No answers. No forward motion. No help.

“Later,” he told it.

Then he stepped out into the cold winter air, drawing his coat tighter around his shoulders as he made his way to the salon. Azuki was probably already waiting.

It turned out nothing was fine after all.

Miyagi had lasted all of twelve hours after leaving the estate before the walls of his perfectly styled, high-rise apartment began to close in on him. The skyline view through the floor-to-ceiling windows did little to distract him. The sprawling city lights below flickered indifferently—oblivious to the mental catastrophe unfolding several stories above.

He paced. He had done a lot of pacing lately.

LeRoi's ad script was open on the dining table. It featured lines about “refined masculinity” and the “enigmatic allure of woodsy top notes.” He hadn’t managed to read more than half a sentence. He wanted nothing more than to just read the stupid script and deal with his emotional breakdown later.

His thoughts looped in a vicious cycle, like a stage actor rehearsing a scene that no longer made sense.

Legosi was his son.
Legosi was his son.
Legosi was his son.

Miyagi dragged a hand through his hair and looked toward the half-empty bottle of scotch sitting on the countertop, then turned away before he gave in. It had been a long time since he’d even considered drinking outside of work functions or gala appearances. He wasn’t about to start now.

He had even kept it together during dinner with Louis and Azuki, smiled, nodded, cracked a joke or two. But the whole time he’d felt like a marionette on frayed strings. The moment he stepped into the apartment, he’d dropped the act and started unraveling.

Gods, he was having an affair with his son’s boyfriend, or rather his son was having an affair with his father’s boyfriend. He couldn’t decide which scenario was worse.

Wait, no, it was worse. They were both in love with the same man. He had slept with his son’s boyfriend, and his son had, mercifully, just been been there the whole time, which meant Miyagi hadn’t done anything truly unthinkable.

He stopped pacing and leaned against the back of the sofa, breathing heavily through his nose. His eyes landed on the script again.

“Refined masculinity.”

He huffed out a bitter laugh.

How did this even happen?

He tried to remember the she-wolf’s name, Legosi’s mother. It was something short. Leano, Legosi had said. But Miyagi had remembered something different. Lira? Lillian? Luna? Maybe even Lydia?

He remembered her smile, vaguely. The party had been chaotic, some mixer to celebrate a mid-budget premiere filled with minor celebrities and desperate extras. He hadn’t even planned to go, but his agent at the time had dragged him there and she had laughed at his jokes and admired his jacket.

Miyagi shut his eyes and massaged his temples.

He couldn't call Louis. He couldn't call Legosi. He couldn’t call his siblings or parents. If he was wrong, he would sound insane and, to his family at least, like the worst kind of pervert. If he was right…

No. No, he needed someone else. Someone who could help him make sense of this without judging him for spiraling into what sounded like the plot of a third-rate drama.

Cynthia.

He fumbled for his phone, ignoring the time. Cynthia had said not to call her on her off-days unless it was a catastrophic emergency. Well, this qualified, didn’t it?

He hit dial.

One ring. Two. Three.

The call connected.

“Mmmh... Miyagi?” came Cynthia’s groggy, sleep-thick voice. “You know I like to sleep in. Do you know what time it is?”

“Yes,” he said. “And I’m sorry. I wouldn’t be calling if it wasn’t important.”

“You’re not in jail, right?” she asked dryly. “Because I’m not posting bail again.”

“No. I—” He paused. “I think I have a son.”

There was silence. Then a slow, measured, “You think you have a what?”

“A son. Maybe. Possibly. I—” He rubbed his forehead, wincing at his own voice. “I think I slept with his mother, years ago. And now he’s… he’s sort of working with me. And possibly dating someone I’m also involved with. And— look, Cynthia, I know how this sounds—”

Miyagi had barely finished saying the words when he heard a sharp, unmistakable thud from the other end of the line, followed by the rustle of fabric and a number of very colorful curses. His tablet’s screen flared to life as Cynthia’s name lit up with an incoming video call request a moment later.

“Transfer to video, now!” she demanded curtly.

Miyagi sighed and swiped his tablet over to the call. He took a moment to sit up straighter, ran a hand over his face, and braced himself.

The call connected.

The moment Cynthia’s face appeared onscreen, she winced. “You look like death warmed over,” she said flatly. “You haven’t slept.”

“I did,” Miyagi muttered. “Didn’t work.”

“Tell me everything. And don’t get all theatrical—facts first, existential crises after.”

Miyagi inhaled and began. “I saw a picture. Of my friend’s family. His mother. I— I recognized her. From years ago. She was at a mixer, we had a one-night stand. I remembered her face. She apparently had a pup later on, and the timelines match. He’s—he’s an adult already.”

The wolf was still a little freaked out about that. He’d missed his son’s entire childhood.

Cynthia’s eyes narrowed. “And you’re sure it’s the same wolf?”

“I wasn’t. I wasn’t. Until he told me she hated anyone seeing her back! She had some scars there and was very self-conscious about them. That’s what clinched it.” He rubbed his eyes again. He wasn’t going to mention the hybrid issue; this was enough of a mess and he wasn’t going to share Legosi’s family secrets with his manager, no matter how good a friend she was. “She never even told him who his father was. Apparently she didn’t remember my name.”

There was a pause, then the unmistakable hiss and gurgle of a coffee machine starting up in the background. Miyagi stared at the screen as Cynthia disappeared for a moment and then came back holding a steaming cup.

“Alright,” she said, calmer now. “So no hush money, no weird letters in the mail, and you never got contacted by anyone. That rules out most of the disaster scenarios.”

“Except for the part where I’ve been—” Miyagi choked on the word. “Where I’ve been... close to him. Not in that way! But still.”

Miyagi could see her unsheathe and retract her claws; the last time he’d seen her do that had been shortly before her divorce. “Define close,” she said warily.

Miyagi’s stomach twisted. “We’re both in a relationship. With the same person. I only realized after... after we ended up in the same bed. Together. With—well, with the third.”

Cynthia stared, deadpan.

“Not like that,” Miyagi added quickly, holding up both hands. “I didn’t touch him. I swear. We were both focused on, uh... the deer.”

A moment passed.

“Rex above, Miyagi,” she said, blinking. “There's an herbivore involved? This is a scandal waiting to happen.”

“I know.”

“No one else knows?”

“Not a soul. I—” Miyagi exhaled heavily. “I didn’t even want to say anything. But I couldn’t keep this to myself.”

“Good. But also bad.” Cynthia leaned back in her chair. “If he’s an adult, then there’s no parenting to be done, no child support drama in front of a judge. Just damage control, emotional and reputational. You don’t need to tell him unless you’re absolutely sure. If you actually want to tell him at all, that is.”

Miyagi nodded slowly. “I don’t want to ruin his life. He’s... kind. Serious. A little too earnest, maybe. I think he’s still hurting from his last relationship, and now Legosi’s got Louis and—”

“Wait.” Cynthia blinked. “Did you say Legosi and Louis? As in, the recently appointed Beastars, one of whom is the owner of the company you work for!?”

Miyagi froze. “I—”

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Cynthia hissed. “One of the Beastars is your son and now you’re sharing Louis of Horns with your potential illegitimate child?! Also, isn't he already married? No, wait, fuck that, whether his marriage survives is none of my business, but what were you thinking, sleeping with your boss? Rex in Heaven, this is such a publicity minefield I don’t even know where to start!”

“It’s not like that!” Miyagi half-shouted, his ears burning. “Legosi moved in after a bad break-up, Louis has this huge mansion, and then it just... happened. I was with Louis first, damn it, even if there was apparently some emotional baggage somewhere between them. We didn’t plan anything—”

“Well clearly you didn’t, if you’d waited long enough to plan anything you would’ve realized what a horrible idea this is,” The cheetah groaned and took a long, theatrical sip of coffee.

“Does Louis know?”

“Of course not,” Miyagi said. “And I’m not going to tell him until I know for certain. If I’m wrong—if I’ve gone full method actor and invented an imaginary scandal—I’ll look insane.”

Cynthia stared him down for a long moment.

“Fine. Let’s assume you’re right,” she said. “Then here’s the nightmare scenario: you and your son, your actual son, I can’t believe I’m saying this, end up exposed for having an affair with the same man. The press gets wind of it. Suddenly it’s ‘Famous Actor Involved in Emotional Incest Scandal Featuring Cherryton’s Beastars’ and your career ends in a trash fire. This is ignoring both the political fallout and what Louis, who is your boss, damn it Miyagi, could do to you if this scandal ends up tarnishing his image.”

Miyagi groaned and flopped backward on the couch, pressing a pillow over his face.

“I hate this,” he muttered. “I hate this so much.”

“Welcome to parenthood,” Cynthia said dryly. “The most miserable blessing in the world. Though I would like to point out that, even without the fatherhood aspect, your relationship is the stuff PR nightmares are made of.”

Miyagi peeked out from under the pillow. “What the hell do I do, Cynthia?”

Cynthia sat back in her chair, the steam from her coffee fogging her glasses slightly as she stared at Miyagi through the screen.

“Alright,” she said, her voice firming with the authority Miyagi had come to trust. “We need to look at this logically. There are three options: one, say nothing and pretend this never occurred to you. Two, end your relationship with Louis and quietly remove yourself from the situation.”

Miyagi opened his mouth, but Cynthia raised a hand.

“And three,” she continued, eyes narrowing, “we get confirmation. Quietly. Discreetly. And then decide what to do.”

“Options one and two are off the table,” Miyagi said immediately. “I’m not abandoning Louis, and I’m sure as hell not ignoring the possibility that I have a son.”

Cynthia made a noise halfway between a groan and a growl. “Then option three it is. But before you start writing heartfelt letters or buying father-son day passes, we need evidence. You said Legosi doesn’t know who his father was, right? Which means we have nothing. No dates, no medical records, no genetic trails. Just your memory, and a picture.”

Miyagi’s stomach clenched. “I know what I saw.”

“I’m not saying you're wrong,” Cynthia said gently, her tone softening. “But if we’re going to upend this poor guy’s life, it better be for the right reasons. We need a sample. Hair would be best. Something with root intact. You can get that, can’t you?”

He nodded slowly. “I have free access to Louis's mansion. Legosi’s staying there. He has a room now, as do I. I could probably grab a brush, or something like that.”

“Why do you have a room in— No, forget it, I don’t want to know. I’ll call Dr. Applegate’s lab. They do paternity testing. More importantly, they know how to keep secrets.”

“Thank you,” Miyagi murmured.

Cynthia took another sip of coffee. “If it comes back negative, we bury this. You forget about it, I delete the records, and you move on.”

“And if it comes back positive?”

She hesitated. “Then we cross that bridge together. And very, very carefully.”

Miyagi ran a hand through his fur, breathing shallowly. The idea of breaking into a friend’s room to sneak out a hair sample made him feel sick. But the thought of never knowing for sure was worse.

And Legosi had said he was curious too, didn’t he?

“It’ll only take a short trip,” he muttered. “Just a bit of hair. Then we wait. Then I’ll know.”

Cynthia nodded. “One step at a time, Miyagi. And don’t do anything stupid.”

He forced a weak smile. “Don’t I always?”

“Yes,” she said dryly. “Which is why I’m still on this call. Now go take a shower. You look like a scandal headline already.”

Miyagi laughed, weak and hoarse. But he felt steadier. And if the next few days were going to be the most nerve-wracking of his life, at least he wasn’t walking through them alone.

The waiting room had long since lost any charm. Louis sat upright on the edge of his seat, legs crossed at the knee, polished shoes angled with precision, and hands folded over his lap. Despite all appearances of composed elegance, his temples throbbed in a dull, relentless rhythm. The headache that had long settled in refused to dissipate.

He had hoped the sterile white walls and the calming background music of the gynecologist's office would dull it. Instead, they only served to underline the surrealism of the moment.

He was here with Azuki.

At her gynecologist's.

For an ultrasound.

Louis cast a sidelong glance at his wife. Azuki was flipping through a magazine, radiating her usual blend of movie-star nonchalance and very real maternal anticipation. Her feet were crossed at the ankle. One ear was tilted slightly in his direction.

She could tell he was nervous.

So could the receptionist. And the nurse. And the elderly leopard couple across from them.

Should he have brought Legosi? Or at least called Miyagi. Someone to absorb the strange quiet panic rising in his chest.

Before he could dwell further, a nurse poked her head out and called Azuki’s name with a warm smile. The deer rose smoothly and he followed, his shoes clicking against the polished tile in a steady, rhythmic counterpoint to his rapidly accelerating thoughts.

The exam room smelled faintly of antiseptic and flowers—an odd combination that felt at once maternal and artificial.  The gynecologist, a tall, serene giraffe with gentle eyes and soothing tones, greeted them both with the kind of practiced warmth Louis had come to associate with expensive healthcare.

“Everything should be quick and comfortable,” she said, preparing the equipment. “I’ll explain as I go. First, a bit of gel… cold, I’m afraid…”

Louis stood beside Azuki, hands behind his back in a position halfway between parade rest and dignified awkwardness. He watched the screen more out of obligation than understanding. Black and white static. Soft humming. He had studied finance, not fetal development.

Azuki winced as the probe moved across her belly. Louis rested a hand lightly on her shoulder.

Then came the image.

A grainy shape. A flickering, rhythmic pulse. Limbs.

“Here we are,” the giraffe said warmly. “You can see the arms and legs here...”

Louis squinted. The shape resembled something vaguely animal, but his brain could not make sense of it. His heart pounded faster.

Then he noticed the giraffe frown.

Azuki noticed too. “Is something wrong?”

“Oh, no,” the doctor quickly reassured, adjusting the angle. “I just want to double-check something. I think we may have a surprise.”

Louis said nothing. His eyes fixed on the screen, his mind conjuring every grim possibility. He thought of anomalies, deformities, difficult conversations and worse. He inhaled slowly through his nose.

The doctor worked in silence, then her smile returned—wider this time.

“Congratulations,” she said, turning the monitor slightly. “It seems you're expecting twins.”

There was a stunned beat of silence. Then Azuki gave a soft gasp.

“Twins? Really?”

“Yes,” the giraffe confirmed. “Look here—one is positioned almost perfectly in front of the other. It's why it wasn't immediately obvious. From the front you can just see one of the arms.”

Louis blinked. He could now make out two distinct skulls, two tiny silhouettes. His eyes tracked the shapes in silence.

He said nothing at first.

He had spent the entire morning coordinating donation funds and paperwork for COMPASS. Before that, he had handled three investor calls, two internal memos, and a briefing on the market's surveillance options with Grace. Somewhere along the way, he had squeezed in enough time to put together invitations for the Rexmas Gala and try and deal with the mess involving River's DNA data.

Twins had not been on his schedule.

And yet, here they were.

His children.

Not a hypothetical. Not a line in a press release about his progressing personal life. Not a contractual clause in his and Azuki's carefully managed public image.

Children. Two of them. Alive. Growing.

He looked at Azuki. She was still staring at the screen, glowing with awe and joy.

He looked back at the screen. And something in him—something old and hard and scarred by the Market, by his father, by years of carrying himself like an empire in a blazer—melted.

His throat tightened.

His children.

A strange, aching warmth rose in his chest.

He would give them the world.

He would build it safer for them.

He would do better.

He gripped Azuki’s hand with more pressure than he meant to. She looked up, surprised.

“We’re going to be parents,” he said softly.

She smiled.

“Yes,” she whispered. “We are.”

Louis smiled back. And for the first time in weeks, the headache faded.

Chapter Text

If trying to find Rexmas presents for Louis had been agonizing, then this gala was pure torture.

Legosi stood near the edge of the crowd, absently holding a glass of something sparkling and citrusy that he hadn’t quite identified. It felt strange on his tongue. Then again, everything about this evening felt strange. He smoothed down his tie, the stupidly expensive one that had come with his stupidly expensive suit, and tried not to think about how out of place he looked. Or felt. There was nothing wrong with the outfit; Louis had personally selected it, which meant it was probably worth more than what he’d spent on rent during his entire last year with Haru. Still, Legosi felt like an actor who had wandered onto the wrong set.

In the beginning, at least, he’d had Azuki. The doe had introduced him to the first guests with warm, practiced ease and somehow managed to make small talk feel almost personable. She complimented his tie, asked about the latest news, and even teased him gently about his growing collection of suits. For all that it should have felt weird to be bonding with the wife of the deer he’d slept with, Azuki carried herself as if nothing was out of the ordinary. As if inviting her husband's two lovers to the most prestigious event of the season was simply the done thing. The conversation had been a lifeline in the initial crush of guests.

Unfortunately, Azuki had duties of her own, and once she drifted back into the crowd, Legosi found himself alone again. Or mostly alone. When he'd run into Miyagi earlier, the older wolf had greeted him warmly, with perfect smile, hand on the shoulder, a brief compliment… and then vanished. Every time Legosi spotted the older wolf, he seemed to be somewhere else, speaking to someone new, always on the opposite side of the room. Maybe he was networking. Maybe he was avoiding him.

The crowd, meanwhile, was composed of Cherryton’s elite: fashion designers, CEOs, charity heads, legacy actors, and a number of people who spoke in the kind of practiced smooth tones that made Legosi’s fur bristle.

Legosi had spent some time chatting with Pina, whose sheer presence seemed to draw every gaze in the immediate vicinity, just to avoid talking with the mass of strangers that had invaded the estate. While the Dall sheep was as teasing and vain as ever, he also allowed Legosi to be basically ignored the second Pina directed his attention elsewhere, with everyone in his flock of admirers following the caprine around the room as if they were trapped in his orbit. Legosi could feel his skin crawl at the thought of having that many people constantly watching him, but Pina seemed to soak up the attention like a sponge. The only other person who seemed to dislike the festivities as much as he did was probably Bill, who glared daggers at everyone who brushed too close to Pina.

Then again, Bill was also the sheep’s bodyguard. It seemed that after he’d left Cherryton Academy, Bill had worked hard to become a consummate professional, which was probably why he took one look at Legosi and then mercifully spared him the burden of further social interaction.

Unlike other people, all of whom seemed to believe that they were much more interesting than Legosi actually found them to be.

They were polite, of course. Curious. One peacock in a silk blazer had asked him, without irony, whether Beastars were required to take etiquette courses after the wolf had asked for his name. Another guest, a stoat with a cane that Legosi strongly suspected was decorative, had spent five minutes praising the aesthetics of the gala’s centerpiece without once realizing Legosi was not part of the catering staff.

He was a guest. He was Louis’s guest. He lived here now, which basically meant he had infinitely more of a right to be here than pretty much everyone else except Louis and Azuki. He had to keep reminding himself of that.

Even the tree, a tall, perfectly symmetrical specimen adorned with what had to be real crystal ornaments, felt more like a magazine spread than an actual celebration of the holiday. The room itself was beautiful: warm lights, elegant garlands, live music that dipped into gentle carols between classical selections. It was, in every visible way, perfect. Louis's servants had slaved away for days to get everything just perfect, and Azuki had fretted over every errant doily.

But it didn’t feel like Rexmas.

Not the way it used to be.

Not the way it had been with his grandfather. In that little apartment where the pine-scented candles were overbearing and the food was far too heavy, and the tree had always been slightly crooked because the stand was missing a bolt. Where there were only three presents total, and he had been thrilled regardless.

Legosi blinked and forced himself back into the present. A tray passed. He snagged a deviled egg without making eye contact with the waiter. He chewed slowly.

At least the food was good. In fact, there was a surprising selection of egg-based dishes, despite the fact that only a smattering of carnivores was in attendance.

It had taken a while to click that this was most likely why Louis had grilled him about his favorites days earlier. Outside of the few faces he actually knew, the catering was the only thing about this night that wasn’t making him feel like he’d stumbled into someone else’s dream.

Louis really did take care of everything. And somehow, that made things worse.

What on earth was he supposed to give a deer who already had everything?

Louis stood near the outer edge of the crowd, posture perfect, jaw tight, and one eye twitching ever so slightly as Grace’s voice continued to echo through the main hall. Her keynote address was elegant, eloquent, and precisely the kind of performance that stirred both wallets and consciences, though the conscience-stirring was very carefully measured.

“—and as we approach a new year,” the white dove intoned, her bright wings spread in a subtle arc of emphasis, “we must not forget those who were displaced not by misfortune of their own making, but by societal neglect. We have a duty, not just as citizens, but as fellow mammals. The Cherryton Oceanfront Modernization Plan for Accessible Shelter and Sustainability, COMPASS, will light the way.”

It took everything Louis had not to roll his eyes. Grace was magnificent, of course. A true professional. Her performance was admirable, even by the deer’s rigorous standards. But Rex above, she knew how to milk a photo op. On one of the screens flanking the podium, a high-resolution image showed a small herbivore child in threadbare clothing gazing mournfully at a broken window.

The contrast couldn’t have been more manufactured if they'd paid a child actor to cry.

Louis knew better. Knew that the vast majority of those displaced weren’t cute, helpless herbivores but adult carnivores—some of them predators, all of them desperate. He also knew that playing that angle wouldn’t fly. He’d seen the press coverage when the market first got torn down. Sympathy was a privilege, and in Cherryton at least, it skewed herbivorous.

So yes, there were sobbing goat children and scrawny sheep mothers projected in 4K, while the few featured carnivores were either babies or domestic species like Labradors and cats, always shown smiling or sleeping. Never growling. Never baring teeth.

His stomach turned as Grace continued: “—thanks to the generous backing of Shiran Group, our government partners, and you, our community of visionaries, we believe that COMPASS will not only rebuild what was lost, but forge a future where modernity and mercy go hand in hand.”

The polite applause that followed was genuine, if carefully measured. Louis joined in, albeit without enthusiasm. Getting the support of a corporate media powerhouse like Shiran was easy if your father-in-law was best friends with the notoriously withdrawn owner. Though how exactly Renauld managed to find and befriend a sea lion was a mystery he'd explore another time; the Shiran Group’s backing was useful mostly so COMPASS didn’t look too much like it was just another PR strategy for Horns.

He'd sat through rehearsals, read through every revision of that speech. He had personally signed off on most of the photos. Hell, he’d been there for some of them, watching Ten and Grace debate lighting angles and backgrounds while a desperate mother sat on a threadbare couch, adjusting her toddler’s too-short shirt so he'd look sufficiently pitiful to be photogenic.

He hated how necessary it all was. Hated that compassion required choreography.

Louis knew how to smile at boardroom meetings. He might be small by the standards of his species, but the second someone wanted to play nice, he had their proverbial balls in a vice. The deer knew at least a dozen strategies to extract concessions out of even the most determined adversary, and yet common politics still left him feeling like he was wading through raw sewage.

Once Grace descended the steps of the podium with a graceful nod and returned to the crowd, conversation resumed in the hall. The next speaker would adress the logistics—the safe, sanitary side of things. Budget projections. Timelines. All the tedious yet important information that made people feel better about writing large checks or, failing that, provide support in terms of benevolent media exposure. The entire event had the full power of the conglomerate’s PR and media arm behind it; if any publication so much as whispered a bad word about COMPASS, Louis would know about it before it even went to print.

Louis took a breath, rubbed the bridge of his nose, and allowed himself a brief moment of fatigue. He couldn’t even go find Legosi yet; his boyfriend had probably retreated into the corner of the ballroom, hiding behind a canapé tray. Neither could he spot Miyagi, who had been suspiciously scarce all evening.

At least he managed to avoid Pina; Louis had no patience for the Dall sheep’s usual prodding and a public spat would be a feast for the press. No, let the narcissistic woolen menace prance about with his hangers-on, the deer could always comfort himself by thinking of the money Pina made for Louis’s conglomerate.

His gaze flicked across the floor until it found Azuki. She stood near the base of the tree, speaking with a pair of council members and smiling in that gracious, practiced way she had. He made to approach her, but a familiar mane appeared at the edge of his vision.

Dolph.

The lion was dressed impeccably as always, his mane now braided back into sleek rows, his expression as neutral as a museum curator’s. Azuki had insisted on putting all of the lions on duty the evening through a specifically designed grooming regiment. That had neatly eliminated some of the more... energetic lions from consideration. He'd love to meet the hairdresser who could convince Free to sit still for his pompadour, but he doubted Azuki would approve of the hairstyle.

“Boss,” Dolph said, bowing his head slightly. “Your presence is requested.”

Louis’s ears twitched. “Requested by whom?”

“Mr. Renauld,” Dolph replied smoothly, and then, with the faintest pause: “He wishes to introduce you to someone.”

Louis sighed and adjusted the lapels of his jacket. If Azuki’s father wanted to introduce him to someone, it was probably either important or insufferable. Possibly both. Which was odd; Louis should already know everyone worth knowing, considering that Azuki and he had went over the guest list three times until she'd been satisfied.

Still, Louis nodded and followed Dolph through the crowd, spotting Renauld talking to an aged tortoise.

Renauld offered the tortoise a courteous smile and replied to an unheard question as Louis approached, his posture radiating stately ease, though the deer could see the subtle flick of tension in the older stag's ears. Whatever this was, it wasn’t casual.

“Louis,” Renauld said with smooth geniality, “allow me to introduce Minister Orwile.”

Louis very nearly lost the neutral expression he had perfected through years of boardroom combat and political theater. Minister Orwile.

That name was not one he had expected to hear tonight, let alone tied to a face in his own home. Orwile wasn’t just a public servant.

Why in the world did no-one inform him that one of their heads of state decided to just drop by his gala?

Orwile was one of the Ministry of Beast Harmony’s six sitting heads of state, the Minister of Justice. He was a man who could whisper into the ears of Cherryton's courts and have their decisions echo in the city for decades after.

Louis bowed at the waist with the crisp, old-fashioned precision that Azuki insisted he use when addressing any members of northern nobility he was meant to meet in the future. The deer figured it would fit the occasion and it bought him a second to hide the flicker of panic in his eyes.

“Minister Orwile,” he said smoothly, as if this was no surprise at all. “It is an unexpected honor to receive you tonight. I hope the gala has proven a pleasant diversion.”

The elderly tortoise blinked slowly, the edges of his eyes crinkling with warmth. “Very much so. Please forgive my lack of formal notice. I had business related to the northern territories with your father-in-law earlier this week, and when I heard about your COMPASS initiative, I grew curious.”

Of course he had. Louis glanced sidelong at Renauld, whose expression remained pleasantly bland.

“Your presence is most welcome,” Louis replied. “And besides, our guests are free to bring company. I assure you, an additional guest is no burden.”

The deer’s mind had already jumped tracks. Renauld could at least have sent a text or something, but this was a fantastic opportunity, wasn’t it?

If he could get even a single photograph of the Minister of Justice in attendance at the gala, the PR value alone would be incalculable. Hell, he could already imagine the headlines. Minister Endorses COMPASS? Perhaps even a few lines on “cross-ministerial support.” Even if the tortoise wasn’t here in any official capacity, few readers ever noticed an asterisk.

But Orwile wasn’t smiling anymore. His mouth softened into something grave, his chin lowering just a fraction as his tone shifted.

“I wanted to thank you, Mr. Louis,” the tortoise said quietly, “for your service to the Ministry. I understand your induction as Beastar was... unconventional. And not without cost.”

Louis blinked. Just like that, the sound of clinking glasses and strings of a chamber quartet seemed to fade around him.

“I... appreciate that, Minister.”

“I visited Yafya in the hospital,” Orwile continued. “He spoke highly of you and Mr. Legosi. And of poor Darth, before his passing.”

Louis's throat tightened.

“He was a good man,” he said. “We still haven’t stopped looking for the people responsible for the café bombing.”

“I hope you don’t,” Orwile said, his voice like creaking wood, aged and slow but heavy with purpose. “Darth was one of my most trusted secretaries. He volunteered for fieldwork on my behalf more often than I should have allowed. I was pleased to note his faith in our work.”

Louis inclined his head again, slower this time. Not performative. Just respectful.

“So do I,” he said. And he meant it.

“Of course I also hope Yafya recovers swiftly,” the tortoise added, his tone almost paternal. “I may not agree with his methods, but I’ve always respected his commitment to keeping the peace.”

Louis faint smile turned a little strained. “Yafya certainly has a reputation. We owe him a lot.”

“As do I,” Orwile said. “His loyalty has always been beyond question.”

“We’ll do our best in his absence,” he offered. Just as Louis wanted to direct the conversation to the gala’s main purpose, inspiration struck. “But the investigation is difficult. Much of the case has been subsumed by the Department of Defense. We no longer have full access.” Louis adjusted his cufflinks and schooled his voice into its usual composed cadence.

Louis couldn’t go against the Minister of Defense, but one of his colleagues might.

Orwile’s smile faltered into a mild frown. “Unfortunate. But the law is quite clear. In cases of suspected national security threats, jurisdiction defaults to the Department of Defense.”

“I understand,” Louis said, and he did. That didn’t mean he had to like it.

The Minister’s tone brightened slightly, almost conspiratorial. “That said, I wouldn't lose hope just yet. The Minister of Defense is, shall we say, an admirer of Mr. Yafya’s brand of justice. Once he is back on his feet, I imagine he will be eager to hear him out.”

Louis felt a tick of discomfort. Being a fan of Yafya’s brand of justice didn’t exactly speak well of the other minister. Yafya had cleaned up Cherryton, yes, but at the cost of due process and more than a few bruised civil liberties. Legosi had been notably cagey about the details of his work with Yafya. He really should set aside an evening to pry the details from the wolf sometime soon. If Yafya was the model the Ministry of Defense wanted to emulate, then Louis had even more reason to be cautious.

Still, he said nothing. A neutral face was an invaluable mask.

Orwile was already moving on. “But that’s not why I came to your event tonight,” he said, letting his gaze sweep over the crowd. “Your initiative has become a topic of some interest in certain circles, and looking at today’s gathering I imagine the number of interested parties will only increase. Your father-in-law has done a fair job of explaining the outlines, but I thought it best to hear from you directly.”

“Of course, Minister,” he said smoothly. “I’d be happy to walk you through it. COMPASS is a multi-tiered initiative designed to address housing instability in districts affected by the Market demolitions. While there are elements of urban development and economic restructuring, the primary focus is on accessibility and integration.”

Louis took a glass of champagne from a passing tray. If he had to give another speech tonight, it might as well come with bubbles.

The security room smelled faintly of cheap coffee and male frustration.

Free was practically draped over his chair like a lion-skin rug, his expression one of profound, world-ending boredom. He groaned dramatically, tossing a piece of popcorn at the nearest monitor. “Look at that. Dolph’s sipping champagne. Champagne, boys. While we’re in here babysitting blinking lights and old wiring. This is oppression.”

Hino didn’t even look up. “Someone has to watch the feeds. Also, the wiring is brand new, as you well know.”

“Yeah, and why is it always us?” Free bemoaned, pointing at the screen as if that would somehow explain the injustice of it all. “Look at him! The bastard’s grinning. I bet he’s talking to one of those fancy ladies who get perfume flown in from the other end of the continent.”

Dope chuckled from his seat, arms folded behind his head. “You know, Agata said Louis is throwing a proper Rexmas dinner for us, right? Just a few days away. You’ll be neck-deep in meat and merriment. Try not to combust before then.”

Free sat up, interest piqued. “Wait, seriously? A real one? Not the 'plant-based sausage and a pat on the back' kind?”

“Real as it gets,” Dope confirmed. “Louis booked a whole evening at that upscale place the Inarigumi are operating out of. Negotiated it with Ten personally too; I guess it helps that Louis helped fund the thing for them.”

“Oh hell yes,” Free grinned, tail flicking. “Louis really is the best boss a guy could ask for. Feedin’ the pride like a proper alpha. Meat, women, good booze—what else is there? Think he could arrange something on the regular?”

Hino rolled his eyes and gave Free a casual swat on the arm. “The estate cook would keel over if Louis asked him to handle meat. You’re lucky Ten’s crew knows their way around a grill.”

Free rubbed his arm with exaggerated injury. “Hey, I wasn’t complaining! I’m just sayin’, if we’re gonna have foxes serving us meat in that classy lounge of theirs, I might have to break out the good cologne.”

Dope snorted. “You break out any cologne and Ten’ll break out the brass knuckles. You touch any of her girls without an invite, and Louis’ll have your pelt nailed to the library wall.”

“I know, I know!” Free laughed, throwing up his hands. “I’m a charmer, not a fool. I’ll behave. Scout’s honor. But you can’t tell me those girls aren’t gonna fall for this rugged charm.”

“What charm?” Hino deadpanned. “You look like you haven’t slept since the last outing.”

“It’s my mystique.”

“It’s your body odor.”

They all laughed, the kind of easy, worn camaraderie that came from too many shared watches and just enough danger to make a bond stick.

“Still,” Free muttered, looking wistfully at the screen again. “Next year, I’m volunteering for the gala detail. I want champagne. And maybe a lady or two.”

Dope smirked. “Dream on, Romeo.”

“Hey,” Free said, pointing dramatically at the screen. “A lion can dream.”

And dream he did, even as the camera feeds flicked endlessly from one quiet hallway to the next. If the boss could get some action with those thrice-damned wolves of his, then surely he wouldn’t fault Free for having some fun at the Rexmas party, right?

The great hall was quieter now, the music long since faded and the scent of pine mingling with half-spilled champagne and extinguished candles. Louis stood near the dais, champagne glass empty in one hand, posture crisp despite the late hour. The gala had wound down at last; most of the guests were gone, leaving behind only staff and the lingering scent of expensive perfume.

Grace was the last to leave, all aflutter and fire as she scolded him under her breath. “You should have warned me,” she hissed in a tone that somehow maintained her dignified smile for the benefit of the last stragglers of a passing camera crew. “If I had known that the Minister of Justice was in attendance I would have re-arranged the entire evening’s trajectory!”

“Blame Renauld,” Louis said, raising an eyebrow toward the elder stag who was sipping one last cordial nearby. “He’s the one who invited Orwile.”

“I didn’t invite him,” Renauld said smoothly, not bothering to sound sorry as the dove round on him. “The man invited himself. I couldn’t exactly say no to a head of state, could I? I literally met him at your front gate.”

Finally, Louis made his retreat before Grace could renew her tirade, weaving neatly between two of the catering staff who were clearing away the last of the hors d'oeuvres. The deer exhaled slowly as he stepped into the corridor leading to the family wing, the hush of the estate finally starting to wrap around him like a cloak. The night had been a success by every conceivable metric, and yet he felt drained. Oh, how he longed for a good night’s sleep and a lazy breakfast in bed the next day.

Sadly, he didn’t get far.

The collision came just past the corner, a flash of grey fur and startled motion.

“Oof—! Louis!”

Legosi’s voice, followed immediately by his hands steadying the stag, gave Louis a jolt of amused irritation. The younger wolf was immediately fussing over him, brushing imaginary dust from his shoulders.

“Are you okay? Sorry, I was looking for Miyagi and didn’t think anyone would be—”

“Relax, Legosi,” Louis said, brushing off his lapel with practiced dignity. “I’m not a frail relic.”

Legosi stepped back, eyes wide and worried. The tips of his ears were a little red, his nervousness adorably obvious.

Louis’s mouth twitched. The suit looked perfect on the wolf, the tailor’s work hugging his form like silk over steel. The workout program he’d arranged for the wolf really did work miracles, though maybe the frequent sparring sessions with the lions deserved some of the credit. He looked so nervous and yet so earnest, and the deer felt a familiar, wicked little pull. It had been a while since they’d had a moment alone that didn’t involve work or witnesses.

“Miyagi can take care of himself,” Louis said lightly, stepping in closer. “If he hasn’t already left with the other guests, that is.” The older wolf certainly seemed eager to make himself scarce this evening, anyway. “And stop fussing, there’s no reason to be nervous. The family wing is... quite secure.”

Legosi blinked, his tail giving a slow, tentative wag.

Louis let his fingers brush against Legosi’s arm, the softness of his fur a welcome contrast to the cold formality of the evening. “Also, no reason to apologize. In fact, I've wanted to spend some time away from all the noise,” he said, voice low. “How about we have a relaxing evening together?”

“You— You’re not too tired?” the wolf asked, quiet voice climbing higher towards the end.

Legosi’s ears flushed darker. Ah, how delightful. Yes, this was just what Louis needed right now.

It seemed the evening wasn’t quite over yet.

Hino had been seconds away from dozing off when Free let out an obnoxiously loud groan.

“Oh for the love of Rex, can they not keep it in their pants for one night?” the other lion exclaimed.

Hino blinked his eyes open and glanced toward the monitor that had earned Free's wrath. A sigh escaped him.

On the screen, Louis had Legosi pinned up against the wall in the hallway leading to the family wing, the wolf’s back arching as the stag all but devoured his mouth. Hino leaned back in his chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“Younger men,” he muttered. “Always ready to go, no matter the setting.”

Dope snorted without taking his eyes off his own feed. “At least they're not doing it in the middle of the gala.”

“Yet,” Hino said dryly.

Free was still going on. “I’m just saying, it’s the optics, right? Our boss, going at it with a mutt like that? In a hallway? What if someone walks in on them? What if a servant sees?”

Hino gave the lion a sidelong glance and just couldn’t resist. “What’s the real problem, Free? Can’t handle seeing a herbivore on top for once?”

“Hey now, that’s not—” Free huffed. “Look, I got nothing against how people spend their nights, I’m just worried about the boss’s rep. Not everyone’s gonna be so chill with him layin’ with wolves.”

“Most of the people who matter probably already suspect something or don’t care,” Dope said, folding his arms. “The Black Market was already full of carnivores who’d rip your ears off for saying a bad word about Louis, and that was before he started rebuilding their homes and feeding them. I guarantee you, Louis could screw another carnivore every week and they wouldn’t care. And the other gangs? They’ll just think he’s got that wolf so thoroughly whipped, he doesn’t even need a leash.”

Free looked back at the screen. Legosi was practically melting into the wall, eyes half-lidded, completely pliant in the stag’s grasp.

“...Alright, yeah,” Free conceded. “That is a hell of a power play.”

“Not like Legosi’s reputation was towering to begin with, even back when he helped out with Gohin’s clinic,” Hino said, stretching. “The display on Meat-Loving Day might’ve gotten him a bunch of respect, if the damn horse hadn’t bulldozed the market afterwards.” He still needed to talk to Dolph and the boss about that; working alongside the Black Devil made him uneasy. If only the stallion had done them all a favor and just croaked in the explosion. Oh well, no sense crying over unspilled blood. “Doesn’t matter now, if it ever comes up, Louis’ll just send him to pound whoever makes trouble straight into the pavement. The wolf is a sucker for herbivores, but Legosi's not weak and he’ll do whatever the boss says. Problem solved.”

“Fair point,” Free said, just as Louis’s hand started drifting downward.

“Nope! That’s my cue,” he declared, and promptly shut off the monitor feed. “I don’t need to see the boss getting handsy with his pet. Fuckin’ fleabags, what’s so great about ‘em?”

Hino couldn't help chuckle a little. Ah well, so long as the boss was having fun. “Maybe Louis thinks he looks good on a leash?”

And that was Dope’s cue. “I bet the mutt loves it doggy style.” Hino couldn’t help but snicker as Free pulled a face.

“Oh screw the both of you, I’ll check if there’s any booze left and you sure aren’t gettin’ any.”

Chapter Text

They stumbled into the bedroom with all the grace of a drunken elephant, Louis nearly elbowing over a slender porcelain vase perched too close to the doorframe. Legosi caught it just in time, laughing breathlessly as he placed it back onto the shelf, only to be promptly pushed backward onto the bed by a very determined stag.

Louis followed with unhurried confidence, standing over the wolf sprawled against the luxurious linens. Legosi's fur was ruffled, his dress shirt askew, his cheeks flushed and his breath uneven. It was a vision that made something warm and possessive unfurl in the pit of Louis's chest.

“Well,” Louis murmured, eyes gleaming with amusement as he reached down, fingers brushing lightly behind Legosi's ear, “someone's tail is betraying him.”

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Legosi’s tail wagged eagerly against the bed, his eyes fluttering shut at the idle scratch Louis bestowed behind his ears. It was almost absurd, the same wolf who could hold his own against a pack of lions now melting under a few simple touches.

Louis took a moment to simply watch, letting his gaze rove slowly over Legosi’s tall, muscular form, so often brimming with coiled strength and tension when he was sparring with the lions. Here, now, he was soft. Open. Yielding.

The contrast was intoxicating.

Crawling onto the bed, he began to unfasten Legosi’s shirt, button by slow button, but it wasn’t long before he noticed something shift.

The thumping stopped.

Legosi stiffened beneath his hands, his gaze darting to the side, ears tilting downward.

Louis paused, hands resting gently against the wolf’s chest.

“Are you alright?” he asked softly.

“Yeah,” Legosi replied quickly, too quickly. “I'm okay.”

But Louis had long ago learned to listen to more than just words. The hesitation in Legosi’s voice was sharp, brittle. And now that he was looking for it, he saw the way the wolf’s jaw had tightened, the subtle tremor in his breath. Not fear, something more complicated. Something restrained.

Louis exhaled and withdrew his hands. He shifted onto the bed beside Legosi, resting against the pillows. One hand returned to gently stroking the wolf’s neck and shoulders, soothing rather than enticing.

The tension in Legosi’s body began to melt under the rhythmic motion. Louis waited in silence until the wolf’s muscles had finally started to relax again.

“Legosi, something clearly bothers you,” he said quietly. “I’d rather you didn’t force yourself on my behalf. I’d be just as happy to fall asleep like this.”

It wasn’t even an exaggeration; Louis had grown dangerously addicted to burying his face in fur before falling asleep.

He felt Legosi’s ears twitch, his head turning slowly toward him. There was something fragile in the wolf’s eyes now, not quite embarrassment, but something close.

Louis smiled faintly. “Of course, I’d still like to know why you’re so nervous tonight. You weren’t nearly this wound up when we ended up in bed with Miyagi.” As much as he adored Legosi, the stag still found it difficult to follow his thought process sometimes.

He didn’t miss the way Legosi immediately looked away, his body going still again. That alone was enough to send Louis’s thoughts racing.

He shifted closer, nearly laying across the wolf’s chest. His voice dipped.

“Legosi.”

The wolf's throat bobbed with a dry swallow.

“I... I’m just worried about hurting you,” he whispered.

Louis blinked.

And then narrowed his eyes, very slowly.

“And where was that worry last time?” he asked, voice velvet-smooth, but with an unmistakable edge.

Legosi visibly tried to avoid answering, his ears twitching in discomfort. His mouth opened, closed, and then opened again.

“Miyagi was there,” Legosi finally mumbled. “He... he could’ve stopped me if anything dangerous happened.”

Louis’s eyes narrowed further. His gaze grew colder, sharper, like a scalpel sliding beneath skin. Legosi shrank under it, ears flattening as he looked away, his shoulders curling protectively.

The silence stretched long enough for it to become brittle.

Louis inhaled, slow and deliberate, forcing his lungs to move calmly. If anyone else had even implied that his physical frailty was a liability, he’d already be making plans to ruin them. There was only so much that could be done to fix the consequences of a childhood spent half-starved, and while his adoptive father had tried, nature had limits. Louis had long since tried to make peace with the stature life had dealt him.

But it stung, deeply, to hear a reminder echoed in Legosi’s voice.

Still, instead of retreating behind pride and anger, Louis reached out again. His hand landed on Legosi’s arm with deliberate care.

Thankfully, the wolf didn’t flinch in the face of his earlier anger. In fact, he shuffled a bit closer.

Louis exhaled quietly.

His fingers found their way back into Legosi’s scruff, stroking slowly. “Haru told me about the panic attack,” he said, voice gentler now. “The one with the tomato juice.”

Legosi groaned and covered his face.

“She was worried about you. And now I understand why.”

Legosi let out a noise that was halfway between a whine and a groan. “It’s not always about sex,” he admitted. “It’s just... if I’m not fully in control, if I just act on instinct... bad things can happen.”

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “When I used to go to those rec centers and play with other canines, it was fine. Just running, wrestling, play-biting. I love being in the moment like that. But if that happens when I’m... with you... I don’t want to hurt you.”

Louis was silent for a moment, then tilted his head. “I wouldn’t mind the occasional scratch,” he said idly. “In fact, I quite like claws and fangs on my skin.”

Legosi’s head snapped around, and the panic in his eyes flared like a struck match.

Right. That had not helped.

Louis quickly backtracked, withdrawing the teasing from his tone. Come to think of it, Legosi was technically still a virgin, despite whatever had happened, or hadn’t happened, with Haru. Even the threesome with Miyagi hadn’t exactly pushed past that line.

The silence stretched again, uncomfortable this time.

Then Legosi spoke, the words tumbling out all in a rush. “It’s just, when I think about being over you, about losing control and getting too into it, I can already feel the line blurring in my head. I know I’d never forgive myself if I hurt you.”

Louis nodded, slowly. Then, with deliberate precision, he raised an eyebrow.

“Well, if that’s the only problem, I know a solution already. Who says you have to be on top?”

Legosi froze. Completely. The poor wolf’s brain apparently had all but crashed; his tail gave a confused twitch, and his eyes were wide with stunned disbelief.

Like a deer in headlights, Louis thought, not without irony.

“If you’re worried about losing control, then don’t. Just let me take the lead,” Louis said smoothly, voice dipping into a purr. “I promise I can handle you.”

Legosi looked utterly dumbfounded. His train of thought had visibly derailed and fallen off the tracks.

Louis smirked.

“Or is being a good boy for me just too scary?”

Legosi let out a strangled sound, burying his face in his hands, his ears burning crimson. His entire body began curling in on itself, tail wagging furiously behind him like a metronome.

Louis’s hand returned to his scruff, fingers sinking in.

He couldn’t help but smile.

Legosi’s body was so honest. And so very, very adorable.

“In fact, I do happen to own an adjustable muzzle for canines, as well as carnivore-strength rope. Trust me; you couldn’t hurt me if you tried.” The deer watched, delighted as those words had the wolf’s fur poof out like a scandalized poodle’s. Louis remembered just how mortified he’d been during his first forays into the world of inter-species relations.

Well, a burden shared was a burden halved, wasn’t it?

“Say, Legosi,” the deer began, savoring the alarmed look on the wolf’s face, feeling far too much like a predator in his own right. “How much do you know about sex, in general and between men?”

“Louis, please—”

The wolf didn’t get much further: an aborted squeak escaped his muscle as Louis’s slid between his legs, not a hint of shame on the deer’s face.

“Seems like I remembered your size correctly at least. Really, it should be a crime to be that well-equipped; you could hurt someone with this.” Louis couldn’t quite keep the teasing tone from his voice even as the wolf squirmed at being manhandled in such a fashion.

And yet he felt Legosi twitch in his palm.

Huh. Would it be cruel to leave the wolf so desperately pent up?

“Are you excited, Legosi?” the deer whispered silkily, pushing closer to the wolf even as his tie joined their suits somewhere on the bedroom’s floor. His eyes roamed over the wolf’s disheveled body, from his too wide eyes all the way down to the wolf’s length straining in suddenly too tight pants.

“I do think I could take you though. After some preparation and stretching of course; I wouldn’t want to put you under too much pressure.” Another squeeze, Legosi yipped and oh, if that sound didn’t do something wonderful to Louis’s brain. Meanwhile the wolf was all but vibrating next to him, his carefully blunted nails digging into the bedsheets.

It really would be cruel to leave him like this, wouldn’t it?

“On the other hand, we’ve had a long day, haven’t we Legosi?”

And the deer withdrew his hands.

Legosi’s thoughts clearly hadn’t quite caught up with what just happened, even as Louis pushed himself up and off the bed, eyeing their discarded clothing with a deliberate air of nonchalance. “I’ll use the bathroom first, since you’ll probably have difficulty walking right now. If I hear any suspicious noises while I’m inside I won’t tell, promise!”

“Louis—!” Legosi hadn’t quite finished gaping at the retreating deer before Louis shut the door to the adjoining bathroom.

The stag had just stepped into the shower when he heard whimpering and muted noises of male exertion drifting through the wall.

Louis smiled to himself; he’d have Legosi sitting up and begging for treats by the end of the week.

Legosi was doing his very best to appear entirely absorbed in his breakfast, eyes resolutely fixed on his plate as he avoided looking anywhere else in the room, especially not at the stag seated across from him. The scrambled eggs, at least, were divine: light, fluffy, perfectly seasoned with a hint of chive and a generous grating of smoked cheddar, piled high on thick slices of toast. There was even a delicate drizzle of truffle oil, which filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma. Beside that sat a small stack of sautéed mushrooms, glistening with butter and garlic, and a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice whose tartness made Legosi wince pleasantly. Legosi really needed to find a way to express his gratitude to the chef; the food was exquisite.

Which made it all the more impressive that Louis still managed to be the most overwhelming thing in the room.

The stag was in rare form today, smirking behind his coffee cup, legs crossed with infuriating grace, and eyes trained on Legosi like a hunter watching particularly entertaining prey. He’d slept like the dead, rising with not a hair out of place. Meanwhile, Legosi had had all the grace of a nocturnal octopus with attachment issues. The wolf had woken up practically coiled around the deer, a mortifying realization that had hit him only after he’d nearly fallen off the bed in an attempt to escape without waking him.

He’d been so close to making a clean getaway too. But then Louis had opened one eye and greeted him with a silky, “Good morning, cuddler.”

Legosi had died a little on the spot.

Now, still flushed from the memory and desperately trying not to think about what else Louis might tease him for, he focused hard on his toast.

“Quiet today, Legosi,” Louis drawled, breaking a piece of croissant and lazily dipping it into a small dish of blackberry preserves. “Is the food to your liking? Or would you like something else, say,” he paused, eyes twinkling, “venison?”

Legosi groaned softly, stabbing his eggs with more force than strictly necessary. “Please don’t.”

“No? I thought you liked wordplay. You certainly didn’t seem to mind it last night.”

“I will jump out the window.”

“We’re on the ground floor.”

“Exactly.”

Legosi’s ears were burning. He took refuge in a sip of juice, glaring at the glass like it had wronged him.

The worst part was that Azuki wasn’t even here to save him. Normally, she’d play the role of conversational buffer or at least throw Legosi a lifeline. But she’d left early for yet another bout of work drama, which meant Legosi was entirely at the mercy of a very pleased-with-himself Louis.

And it wasn’t even noon.

Yesterday had been bad enough. He hadn’t even fully processed the absence of Louis’s hands on his… his body before the stag had retreated into the ensuite bathroom. Legosi had sat frozen on the bed for at least a full minute, trying not to imagine what the water would look like flowing over deer fur, before his libido overruled his reason and he took matters in his own hands.

The fact it had felt fantastic just served to amplify his mortification when he realized that if he could hear Louis showering, Louis almost certainly heard him. The stag’s broad grin upon his re-emergence had done nothing to reassure him in that regard either.

Now, with morning light streaming through the tall windows and the scent of coffee hanging in the air, he realized Louis had yet another weapon in his teasing arsenal.

Of course he did.

Legosi resigned himself to another verbal jab, only for Louis’s phone to start buzzing against the tabletop. The deer didn’t look down as he answered it, simply picked it up with a graceful hand and lifted it to his ear, all while keeping his gaze fixed on the wolf.

“Louis speaking.”

Legosi reached for another mushroom, readying himself for some sly innuendo or another tease, but something shifted.

The change was instant.

Louis went still, his posture sharpening, eyes narrowing just slightly even as his expression remained carefully neutral. He didn’t say much, only nodded once, uttered a clipped reply, then pulled the phone away from his ear. For a moment, he simply stared at the far wall, the line of his jaw tight, lips pressed into a thin line.

Then he stood.

“Something happen?” Legosi asked, sitting up straighter.

“Business matter,” Louis replied briskly, already stepping away from the table. He moved to grab his coat from the stand by the door, only pausing to finish his coffee in one long swallow. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Legosi frowned. “Do you need help?”

Louis’s eyes flicked to him, but only for a second. He wasn’t quite meeting Legosi’s gaze. “No. It’s delicate.”

There was a tension in his voice now, something tight and coiled beneath the usual polish. Legosi opened his mouth to ask again, but the deer beat him to it.

“In the meantime, you should train. Free’s in a mood today, he could use the workout.”

That gave Legosi pause. “Free’s always in a mood when he sees me lately. What did I do?”

“Knock him around a little and find out,” Louis offered a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Consider it a warm-up. I’ll be back before lunch.”

And then, without another word, he was gone.

Louis entered Hinode Medical Services with a growing sense of unease. The sterile, dimly lit lobby looked the same as before: drab, plain, and perfectly designed to evoke mediocrity. It could have been any budget-tier clinic in the city. There was no receptionist in sight this time. Instead, Dr. Keeran himself stood waiting just inside the frosted-glass door, hands calmly folded in front of him.

“Mr. Louis,” the Dall sheep greeted with a pleasant nod, apparently in high spirits. It only served to inflame Louis's burgeoning bad mood further.

“Doctor,” Louis returned curtly.

Keeran’s smile didn’t waver as he gestured for the deer to follow him. They made their way past bland posters advertising flu shots and general wellness, into the familiar clinical chill of the doctor's private office.

Once the door was shut, Keeran went straight to business. “We've found a way to resolve our little predicament. The public wants an arrest? Then we’ll give them one.”

He held out a thick manila folder. Louis took it warily, flipping it open.

A hybrid. Male. Leopard and deer.

Louis’s brow furrowed. It took only a few seconds of reading before recognition struck. “This says he was from the market,” he muttered. “I don't remember him, though.”

“Indeed, you wouldn't. Andrew here used to run odd jobs for the Madaragumi. He was also a hitman for hire, or something close to it.” Keeran said calmly. “He died during the market skirmishes, shortly before Yafya ordered the district demolished. No official record exists of his death, thanks to the market's lack of oversight.”

Louis shut the folder. “And you want to pin everything on him.”

“He was already a ghost,” Keeran replied mildly. “We’re simply giving the public a name.”

The stag frowned. “I don’t like scapegoating someone for crimes your brother committed.”

“Understandable.” The doctor folded his hands neatly on the desk. “But in this case, the scapegoat is not only deceased, but a known killer with ties to the Black Market. His name will stir no mourning.”

Louis looked at the folder again, then slowly closed it. “Yafya won’t accept a suspect who vanished. He’ll expect an arrest, a trial, even if only a show trial.”

Keeran nodded. “Which is why we intend to provide one. An arrest, or something close at least.”

He turned to his desk drawer and produced a slim tablet, tapping it once to wake the screen. A photo filled the display: Andrew, or someone who looked like him, lounging in the same rickety chair Louis currently occupied.

“One of my brothers will impersonate him. He’ll be caught by you and Mr. Legosi, resist, and escape. He’ll die in a car crash shortly after. Publicly, at least. Don't worry, we'll supply a body.”

Louis stared at the screen, then at Keeran. “You’re serious.”

“Quite.”

“And this won’t be the same brother whose girlfriend we arrested, I hope.”

Dr. Keeran at least had the decency to look a little flustered at the barb. “No. He’s otherwise occupied.”

Whatever job had him occupied; the deer hoped it was either highly unpleasant or dangerous, preferably both. Louis exhaled through his nose, lips tight. Not for the first time, he wondered just how far Keeran’s group had taken their craft. The physical resemblance, the vocal mimicry, the sheer impossibility of it all... it was uncanny.

It made their medicine business even stranger upon reflection; their disguises would make them a fortune in any area of financial fraud or scams. Why were these people peddling wonder drugs on the side?

“You’re really confident no one will see through this.”

“No doctor on the continent could, don't worry. Andrew has no previous DNA or fingerprints on record, and the body will match the traces your team will find in his hideout.”

That statement sent a jolt through Louis; Dr. Rivers’s investigation surfaced in his mind like a cold hand on his neck. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe.

He forced himself to relax. Better not to let Keeran see just how close Rivers had come to unmasking the forged DNA samples. Who knew how long this partnership of theirs would last?

“Let’s say I go along with it,” he said slowly. “I can’t guarantee your brother’s safety, not with Legosi involved.”

Keeran only smiled. “He won’t be caught. And he won’t be seriously harmed; I trust my brother’s judgement.”

Louis studied him for a long moment. The Dall sheep's face and voice were perfectly calm, they could as well have been discussing the weather. It was unnerving.

“There’s still the matter of the impersonations. Even if the murderer dies, Yafya will wonder how he mimicked identities so perfectly.” Having his own identity stolen will no doubt sting the black stallion's pride for a long time.

“We’ll leave behind a veritable orgy of evidence to explain that. More than enough to satisfy whatever narrative you choose to come up with, never fear.”

The folder was still in Louis’s hands. It felt heavier than it should.

...Though, if the stag was honest with himself, did he even have the option to refuse? “When?”

“A couple weeks after Rexmas. You deliver the folder to Yafya’s little spies. The rest will unfold as planned.” For a moment the insufferably chipper tone brought Pina to mind, and the deer's mood soured further.

Louis finally nodded, tucking the folder under one arm. “Fine. But if anything goes wrong, it’s your mess. Not mine.”

Keeran inclined his head with a smile. “Of course. A pleasure as always, Louis. By the way, do bring your wolf around near the end of January; he’ll need his next dose.”

The stag turned and made for the door. As he walked to the elevator, his thoughts churned uneasily.

Louis used the lull of his return drive to study the folder Dr. Keeran had handed over. The contents made Andrew seem like a plausible candidate at least: a Black Market hitman whose standard modus operandi consisted of using disguises to approach his victims and evade both law enforcement and retaliation. In Louis’s opinion it was still somewhat of a long shot to deceive Yafya in this way, but then again he didn’t know what kind of evidence Keeran’s group planned to plant.

The deer returned to the estate only to be greeted by the unmistakable sounds of chaos: grunts, laughter, and the rhythmic thud of bodies hitting the training mats. It was coming from the rear courtyard. A terrible ruckus, certainly, but not an unwelcome one. Apparently, the lions were in high spirits today.

He made his way through the manor and stepped out onto the upper veranda that overlooked the outdoor training area. Sure enough, the courtyard behind the mansion was alive with activity. Several of the younger lions were sparring or working through drills in pairs, while others lounged near the edge with towels and water bottles, jeering at their friends with brotherly affection. And at the center of it all…

Louis’s eyes locked on Legosi.

The wolf was in the middle of a bout with Dolph. A few of the lions were crowded around the ring-like sparring circle, including Free, who was loudly egging both combatants on. The muscular lion had his arms crossed over his chest, but Louis could tell he was enjoying the match by the way his tail twitched.

Dolph had the edge on Legosi when it came to sheer size and muscle mass. His biceps were thicker than Legosi’s thighs, and his stance exuded the kind of practiced ease that came from a lifetime of fights. But Legosi didn’t look outmatched. Far from it. He moved with coiled precision, balanced on the balls of his feet, letting Dolph’s power glance off deflections and footwork. There was a sharpness to him Louis hadn’t seen before, not just competence, but comfort.

Louis didn’t even realize he was smiling.

He leaned against the balustrade, one hoof lightly tapping the marble tile as he folded his arms to watch.

“Not a bad show,” came a voice at his shoulder.

He turned slightly. Azuki had appeared beside him, hands clasped neatly behind her back, her usual calm demeanor softened by a small smile.

“You’re back early,” Louis said. “What happened to the interviews?”

“Oh, you know,” Azuki replied breezily. “Had to mediate a dispute between actors, then reshuffle a few of the press timelines. Nothing too terrible.”

She tilted her head toward the match. “Honestly, I’m a little jealous. If only you’d recruited some muscular herbivores for your little gang of carnivores, maybe I could enjoy the view as much as you do.”

Louis frowned, just as the watching lions cheered, Dolph had landed a clean hit, driving Legosi briefly back on his heels.

“I don’t lust after subordinates,” he said, his tone cool.

Azuki arched a brow. “Miyagi was technically your subordinate when you started dating.”

“I didn’t know that the first time we met. We were wearing masks!”

“Hm.”

Before she could press the point, a loud groan echoed across the courtyard. Dolph was on the mat, blinking at the sky in dazed defeat. Legosi stood over him, panting and grinning broadly, his chest rising and falling with exertion. His sharp canines were bared in his smile, something Louis rarely saw. Usually, the wolf went to great lengths to keep those teeth covered in Louis’s presence.

Louis felt something warm bloom in his chest. Perhaps regular sparring with self-assured carnivores would be good for Legosi. Let him see there was nothing wrong with a little pride, nothing shameful about his own nature.

“Legosi wins,” Free announced flatly, though the corners of his mouth were twitching. There was a smattering of cheers as Legosi offered Dolph a hand and helped him to his feet.

Just then, Yuta appeared at the foot of the steps and bowed deeply. “Lunch is served, Master Louis.”

That got a significantly stronger reaction from the assembled lions. Free’s ears perked up immediately, and someone let out a mock cheer.

But Louis was still watching Legosi, who was toweling the sweat off his neck. His fur was darkened with perspiration, muscles flushed with heat and exertion. He looked—

Louis coughed into his fist and subtly adjusted his stance. Well. He looked very good.

As the group began filing inside toward the dining hall, Louis drifted through the crowd and came up beside the wolf. He leaned in close, lips brushing the edge of Legosi’s ear.

“Remember what we talked about in bed? Don't run off after lunch, I’ll make sure to broaden your horizons later,” he murmured.

The effect was instantaneous. Legosi sputtered, nearly tripping over his own feet, face going bright red.

Louis smirked and continued toward lunch, leaving the wolf in his wake to fluster and follow.

He still had all his bookmarks on his laptop. Maybe he’d ask Legosi’s opinion on the tied up tiger, if only to see if wolves could spontaneously combust.

Chapter Text

The day before Rexmas found Maplehurst’s streets thrumming with life. Storefront windows glowed with festive displays: tinsel-strewn mannequins in wool coats, plastic snowflakes dangling from invisible threads, and golden “Rexmas Sale!” signs in every second shop. The air was a jumbled chorus of holiday songs, chatter, and the occasional impatient honk from gridlocked traffic. People hurried along the sidewalks in bundled masses, some with last-minute shopping bags weighing down their arms, others hauling luggage toward trains and buses, eager to make it home.

Miyagi threaded his way through the crush, his wheeled suitcase bumping along behind him, breath puffing in quick bursts of vapor. The grey wolf’s scarf was tugged up high enough to almost cover the tip of his nose, and his dark-rimmed glasses fogged slightly in the cold. He had just barely caught the bus that would take him to the airport; by the time the doors hissed shut behind him, his lungs felt like they were on fire.

Slumping into a seat near the back, Miyagi let the city’s chaos pass by in a blur beyond the window. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he took it out, scrolling through messages from his family in Willowbrook. His nieces and nephews had apparently taken turns recording short, chaotic holiday videos for him, complete with their indulging grandpa holding the camera for them while one of his younger nephews shouted into the camera about “Uncle Miyagi being famous.”

He smiled despite the ache in his chest.

The past few days in Willowbrook had been warm and noisy, a reminder of how far they’d come as a family. When he’d first left home for acting, he’d nearly torn things apart; his parents’ disapproval had been loud, raw, and bitter. He’d never forget the shouting match the night he left, or the hollow quiet that followed when he’d realized it meant spending his first Rexmas away from home. That wound had taken years to mend, and they’d been during certain conversations for another couple of holidays after. But this year, visiting before the holiday, it had felt… easier. Lighter.

Which had made it all the more difficult to tell them he wouldn’t be there on Rexmas itself.

They’d been crestfallen, though the moment he’d vaguely hinted that he was spending it with “someone he was interested in,” their moods had lifted. His mother had jumped straight to matchmaking theories, and even his father, normally the less openly meddlesome of the two, had looked quietly pleased. The fact that they already had six grandchildren between his siblings apparently wasn’t enough to keep them from trying to marry him off every visit.

Miyagi kept his smile small but fond as he read through their well-wishes. He knew what it meant to them that he was happy. He also knew they’d be dying of curiosity for months.

He was already regretting the excuse he’d blurted out in the heat of the moment. He couldn’t actually introduce Louis to his family, and the mystery she-wolf his mother was no doubt imaging didn’t actually exist. It seemed like there would be another break-up in his future, as much as it would annoy his mother.

…Would his family have liked Louis, if a meeting wasn’t impossible? Being with a man would probably not cause too much of a problem; his father had accepted his own brother’s preferences more or less gracefully, despite the shock and protracted grumbling.

But being with a male, married herbivore would likely be a bridge too far.

Best not to dwell on worst case scenarios; he’d only start catastrophizing again and the holidays were stressful enough already.

At least he’d be able to have an online video call with his family on Rexmas morning; if only to see if his gifts were well received. Picking gifts for his nieces and nephews was always an ordeal: he wanted to impress, but not so much that his siblings were embarrassed by their presents. Thank god his oldest brother had started coordinating them over PawChat, so there was no longer any risk of stepping on anybody’s toes.

The bus jolted over a pothole, pulling him out of the moment. Outside, the roads toward the airport were clogged with private cars and taxis alike, and when the bus finally pulled into the terminal drop-off zone, he was grateful he’d arrived early. Inside was a sea of people: families wrangling sugar-charged children, business travelers striding with grim determination, couples bickering over boarding passes. The scent of cinnamon from a nearby coffee kiosk tried valiantly to mask the underlying tang of cleaning products and overworked HVAC systems.

Miyagi adjusted his shawl and glasses, not just for warmth but for anonymity. He loved his fans, truly, but today, his nerves were too raw for the possibility of being recognized and pulled into a round of photos and autographs. Not when he just wanted to get on the plane and breathe.

A toddler in the seat beside him shrieked with the force of an air-raid siren while his mother rummaged helplessly through a diaper bag. Miyagi resisted the urge to wince, focusing instead on his phone when it chimed again. When he glanced at the sender, he broke out in cold sweat.

Cynthia should be with her own family at the moment. With Rexmas being less than a day away there really was only one possible reason why she would be messaging him.

He tapped it open, and the din of the airport seemed to dim for a heartbeat.

“Results are in. I’ll be waiting at your apartment.”

His thumb hovered over the screen, but no reply came. The noise of the terminal rushed back in, pressing against his eardrums until his temples ached. He put the phone down slowly, his chest tightening.

The flight ahead of him had just become the longest of his life.

The café Legosi had chosen was tucked on a quiet side street, away from Cherryton’s busiest Rexmas crowds. It had big windows, warm lighting, and the kind of coffee aroma that wrapped itself around you like a blanket. Louis had to admit, it was charming, probably the only reason he hadn’t protested the location when Legosi suggested it.

Jack was already at a corner table when they arrived, waving with that easy canine energy that seemed to come naturally to him. Legosi’s tail gave a subtle wag as they approached, and the two clasped hands warmly before settling in. Jack launched right into catching up with his friend, his voice animated as they traded updates about life since graduation. Legosi’s recent ascension to the office of Beastar was clearly still fresh in Jack’s mind; he kept circling back to it with congratulations and questions about what kind of work Legosi wanted to take on.

Louis, meanwhile, listened only in fragments. The rest of his mind was quietly tallying holiday preparations: Renauld’s arrival, the food orders, finalizing seating arrangements. He had managed to convince Legosi to invite Gosha for Rexmas dinner. The meeting between the two patriarchs alone should have been a cause for anxiety, but to Louis’s own surprise, it wasn’t. Every time he’d met Gosha, the Komodo dragon had been unfailingly polite, if reserved. As for Renauld, Louis was confident that even if he had private thoughts about Legosi’s parentage, the elder stag would keep them locked firmly behind his dignified composure.

The same could not be said of Azuki. Louis was certain she had already told her father everything about his “recent exploits”, a polite euphemism for his relationship with Legosi, so there was still a faint thread of tension under his calm. It was manageable, though.

Everything was manageable.

He tuned back in just in time to catch Jack mentioning that he hadn’t found a law office yet. The words were offhand, said with a shrug, but Louis’s attention sharpened instantly. “I might be able to help with that,” he said, leaning forward. “I know someone who specializes in civil and pro-bono work: Grace the dove. We’re currently working together; I’ll put in a good word for you.”

Jack lit up, tail thumping under the table. “That would be incredible—” His expression faltered halfway through the sentence as he processed the name. “Wait… Grace as in one of the senior partners of Samson, Stanford & Grace?”

Louis nodded, sipping his coffee like it was the most natural thing in the world. “The same.”

Jack’s ears flicked back, and he stammered, “Oh, I, I couldn’t. That’s one of the best law firms in Cherryton.” Of course they were, otherwise Louis wouldn’t be hiring them. “I’m not… I mean, that’s…”

Louis raised an eyebrow, catching Legosi’s faint smile out of the corner of his eye. “You don’t want the introduction?”

“It’s not that,” Jack said quickly, ears angling forward again. “I just don’t want to impose.”

Louis wondered again if this was some kind of canine quirk. Legosi had the same tendency to balk even when he was offered exactly what he wanted. Or maybe it was just these two. Either way, it was faintly exasperating.

“It’s only an introduction,” Louis said, his tone firm but not unkind. “Getting through the interview process will be up to you. But I can get your foot in the door.”

Jack hesitated only a moment longer before the gratitude broke through. “Then thank you. I really appreciate it.”

“Good.” Louis allowed himself a small, satisfied nod before letting the conversation flow back to Legosi and Jack.

The topic shifted to a new canine recreation center that had recently opened. According to Jack, B-Strike had launched a small location designed specifically for canine entertainment, things like scent trails, agility courses, even a dedicated social lounge. Jack’s former classmates were planning a group visit for the spring opening, and he was eager for Legosi to join them. “We’ve all missed you,” Jack said warmly. “It’s been too long.”

Legosi’s smile was tinged with nostalgia, and he opened his mouth to agree, only to glance at Louis first. Louis caught the look, read the silent question in it, and gave an easy, fond smile.

“Go,” he said. “Have fun.” The last thing he’d want was for Legosi to have nothing in his life outside his relationship to Louis; it would be suffocating for both of them.

Legosi’s smile of gratitude was almost blinding, and Louis felt an uncharacteristic, sudden urge to lean over and kiss the wolf. He caught himself just in time, disguising the forward movement as a glance down at the menu, while the two canines returned to their conversation. The flare of affection, unexpected and inconvenient, reminded him of last weekend, when he’d taken it upon himself to sit Legosi down for what he had innocently called an “educational talk” on interspecies relations between men.

In truth, it had been mortifying, though no more mortifying than the time he’d had to research the matter for his own sake. The difference this time was that he got to inflict the discomfort on someone else. Legosi had been so easy to shock: every mildly explicit point had him squirming like a schoolboy, the tips of his ears turning crimson. Louis had taken an unholy sort of delight in watching him wrestle with the information, especially when the wolf’s flush crept lower and the evidence of his arousal became obvious.

At one point, Louis had mischievously suggested that they experiment a little. That was when Legosi had rediscovered his spine, declining with firm, if slightly flustered, resolve. He’d said he wanted to “do this right,” still plagued by the conviction that he might somehow injure Louis. Louis found that notion faintly insulting, more than a little aggravating, and, if he was honest, oddly endearing. Still, it wasn’t unlike what Haru had probably endured; if these bouts of self-doubt were common, Louis could see why she might have grown impatient before ending things with him.

Fine. If Legosi wanted to be “safe,” Louis would indulge him, and perhaps even put him in that muzzle, just to see the look on his face. He thrived in adversity, after all. Nothing made him more determined than being told he couldn’t have something.

The thought reminded him of another recent absence. Miyagi had been scarce lately, though this time there was a reason; the older wolf was busy shopping for Rexmas presents for his sprawling family: parents, siblings, nieces, nephews. Louis had felt a sting of irritation at first, but that had melted when Miyagi, in his typically straightforward way, had explained the reason for his disappearances, genuine enough to warm Louis’s heart. Miyagi had promised he would be there for Rexmas proper, and Louis found himself looking forward to it more than he’d expected.

This year’s holiday would be the only real pause he’d get for some time. Yafya was due to be released from the hospital since his complicated fracture was now mostly stable, even if he was still not fully mobile. Once the weather turned gentler with the winter’s end, the market rebuilding would begin in earnest and then there was still Dr. Keeran to keep an eye on. Azuki, too, would likely give birth in spring.

That thought filled Louis with a quiet, steady warmth. Fatherhood still felt strange in concept, almost abstract, yet the reality was approaching with every week. He could picture it: the noise and light of the holidays, the smells of cooking, the quiet moments tucked between celebrations.

Yes. This Rexmas would be perfect. There was no reason to worry.

…

…Come to think of it, was his fine china able to resist a Komodo dragon’s venom? Maybe he did need to check with Yuta after all.

The hospital room smelled faintly of antiseptic and the bitter tang of whatever disinfectant they’d used on the floor that morning. Yafya sat perched on the edge of his bed, his black coat brushed sleek but his expression thunderous as Gosha maneuvered the wheelchair into position. The Komodo dragon moved with such careful precision that one might think he'd done this a dozen times before, checking the brakes, adjusting the footrests, then holding it steady for the stallion to transfer.

“You could at least pretend to be in a festive mood,” Gosha said lightly, his deep voice tinged with that persistent warmth Yafya found so infuriating. “Rexmas is only a day away. It’d do you good to spend it with friends.”

“I am spending it with excellent company,” Yafya muttered, easing himself down into the chair with visible annoyance. “Myself.”

He damn well had earned the right to be snappish; the last few weeks had been pure torture. The lack of exercise had set him back months, not to mention that he shuddered at what a mess the investigation had become in his involuntary exile. Now, Gosha with his friendly smile and grandpa sweater was grating on his nerves like claws on a chalkboard.

Won’t someone please save me from this relentlessly cheerful monster?

Unfazed, Gosha began fussing with the blanket draped over Yafya’s lap. “Legosi worries about you, you know. So do I. Holidays aren’t meant to be spent alone.”

“Holidays aren’t meant to be spent trapped in a wheelchair either,” Yafya snapped. “This blasted leg has enough pins and screws in it to stock the average hardware store, and you expect me to ‘be merry’? It was bad enough before, if this doesn’t heal right, my career is over.”

Which was already a very generous description of his current state; the doctors had been very clear that his bones, even if they healed up, would not be up for the kicks the stallion was famous for. Optimal healing would enable walking and running, anything more was just asking for trouble.

I’m neither ready nor willing to retire yet, damn it!

Sadly, his growing frustration must have shown on his face: Gosha only chuckled, the sound rumbling low in his throat. “If you’ve got the energy to complain this much, you’re progressing better than you were last month. Neither of us is that old yet!”

Yafya glowered at him. “You have a very interesting idea of what counts as progress.”

Instead of arguing, Gosha’s expression softened. “Are you sure you’ll be fine on your own for Rexmas?”

That broke something in Yafya’s fragile patience. He spun toward Gosha so abruptly the chair squeaked under him. “Do you never tire of cleaning up after other people? If anything, you’re the one not acting like a proper grandfather. Go. Spend the holiday with your grandson. Celebrate with Louis’s family. I’ll be fine, it’s not like I haven’t spent Rexmas alone before.”

Gosha blinked at the sharpness, taken aback for only a second before regaining that infuriatingly calm, friendly demeanor. The stallion scowled harder.

Without a word, Gosha stepped toward the door, pulling out his phone. Yafya narrowed his eyes immediately. “What are you doing?”

“You’re right,” Gosha said mildly. “I should spend Rexmas with friends and family.”

Yafya leaned back, allowing himself a faintly smug smile, though it didn’t quite mask the ache in his chest. No matter how much they’d tried to mend things, it would never be quite like when they were younger.

“Of course,” Gosha went on, voice thoughtful now, “Legosi would be very happy if I brought a friend along. And Louis is a polite young man; I’m sure he’d agree.”

The realization hit Yafya like cold water. “Don’t you dare—”

But when he tried to roll forward, the chair didn’t move. Gosha’s eyes gleamed. “Oh dear, the brakes seem to be stuck,” he said simply, and then stepped out into the hall, phone pressed to the side of his head. “I won’t be long. Try not to plot anyone’s downfall while I’m gone.”

The door clicked shut. Left immobile, Yafya resorted to muttering increasingly elaborate threats under his breath until the futility of it all sank in. He sagged back in the chair, glaring at the ceiling.

Why couldn’t people just leave him to suffer with dignity?

Worse, now he’d have to scramble for presents, if he could even find anything this late. The only comfort was the faint hope that no one else would have gotten him anything either. At least then they’d all be equally embarrassed.

Rex above, Yafya would be the most miserable creature at that damn party.

Miyagi’s apartment felt too small for the weight in his chest. Even before Cynthia spoke, the tension had already begun coiling tight inside him, a sick heat simmering behind his ribs. She was leaning against the kitchen counter when he came in, her arms folded and a thin manila envelope clutched loosely in one hand. The sight of it sent his stomach plunging.

“You already know?” His voice was lower than usual, edged with something brittle. He wanted her to say yes. He wanted her to tell him it was fine, that there’d been a mix-up, that his imagination had made a mountain out of a molehill.

But Cynthia shook her head, her spotted tail swaying with restless energy. “No. I just got it. Nurse looked like she’d been through a war; must be the holiday rush.” She tried a small, wry smile. “Apparently labs get them too.”

It was supposed to be a joke. It didn’t land. Miyagi didn’t even twitch a smile, and that told her just how close to the edge he already was.

They sat at his dining table, Cynthia setting the envelope down between them as if it might bite. Miyagi stared at it like it was a live spider about to leap straight at his face. He’d thought about this moment every day since he’d asked her for help, but now that it was here, every instinct screamed at him to shove it away and never look again.

Cynthia’s voice was gentler now. “You’ve been twisting yourself in knots for weeks. Rip the bandage off, Miyagi. Whatever it says, at least you’ll know.”

He dragged in a breath, the paper already slick under his fingers as he picked it up. The sound of tearing paper was deafening in the quiet. One sheet slid free, clinical, detached, full of percentages and genetic markers. But the one line that mattered stood out as if written in fire.

Probability of paternity: 99.99%

Rex preserve him, Legosi was his son.

His hand went cold. The air felt suddenly thin, his vision narrowing to the black print on white.

The thought slammed into him with the force of a physical blow. His worst fear, confirmed. A sick, dizzy rush followed, memories and possibilities and consequences tangling into a choking knot. Legosi, his son, and Louis, all tangled up in this relationship they’d built. Every thread of it now humming with a wrongness he couldn’t untangle.

Cynthia’s voice broke through the static. “Miyagi?”

He swallowed hard, shaking his head, eyes fixed on the table. “This ruins everything.” The words were barely a whisper, but they carried the jagged edges of panic. “Louis, he won’t… This will destroy us. And if it gets out—”

He couldn’t even finish. He could see it already: the headlines, the scandal, the fallout that would scorch his career down to ashes. His family finding out. His father, devastated by the knowledge that his long buried warnings about acting being a pit of depravity had come true in the worst way. The worst of it was knowing that he’d walked right into it himself, with a skip in his step and a smile on his face.

“I should never have done this,” he muttered, voice raw. “Should’ve kept my mouth shut, pretended there was nothing to find out—”

“Bull.” Cynthia’s tone cut through his spiral. “You’d have driven yourself insane. Every time you saw him, you’d be looking for yourself in his face, in his voice. Sooner or later you’d have broken.”

Miyagi wanted to argue, but the truth of it was a bitter thing in his throat. Had he felt, deep down, that the resemblance he’d noticed in Legosi wasn’t just coincidence? And now the truth was here, in black and white.

Cynthia leaned forward, her hand resting over his. “You’re with Louis. Legosi’s with Louis. Neither of you is walking away from him, are you?”

He shook his head without looking up.

“Then it was always going to come to this. Secrets have a way of finding daylight, Miyagi. I... will admit I've never heard of something like this before, but if anyone can overcome this, it would be you.”

But the words didn’t soothe him. All he could see were the impossibilities stacking up; how could he tell Legosi? How could he tell Louis? How could any of them look each other in the eye after this? The tight knot in his gut twisted until he almost felt sick.

His mind churned through the past, desperate for a different path. He could have refused Louis’s pursuit of Legosi from the start, but that would have made him a hypocrite, given how he’d leaned on Azuki’s tolerance of his own affair with Louis. And Louis would’ve resented him for it.

Or he could have, finally, after so many instances of ignoring every warning, stopped falling into bed with anyone who looked at him the right way. Cynthia had told him so more times than he could count. His father had too, in his gruff, moralizing way.

He could have ignored that bright-eyed young stag at Café Champion, but then… he’d never have met Louis.

Never fallen in love.

But even as the thought surfaced, he crushed it. Legosi was kind. Gentle. Good. He was not a mistake Miyagi could regret. Whatever foolishness had led to his conception, the man himself was worth every consequence.

The realization softened something in him, even if the dread still sat heavy on his shoulders. He let himself lean toward Cynthia, feeling the steady presence she offered. Her hand squeezed his, grounding him in the here and now.

“I don’t think there’s a clean way out of this,” she said quietly. “But you’ll figure it out. You always do. If worse comes to worst then please, call me.”

Miyagi closed his eyes, drawing a slow breath. No, there was no universe where this ended without pain. But running from it wouldn’t help. Sooner or later, the music always played, and you either faced it or got dragged into the spotlight unprepared.

And what was he, if not a great actor? It was time to face it.

Chapter Text

Louis prided himself on being calm under pressure, on presenting himself as unflappable and immaculately composed. But on Rexmas Eve, in his own house, surrounded by servants bustling and the faint scent of mulled wine drifting from the kitchens, the proud stag was a wreck. A dignified wreck, he reminded himself bitterly, as he tugged at the cuff of his shirt for the fourth time in as many minutes.

“Sir, the tableware has been arranged exactly to your specifications,” Yuta intoned patiently. The sheep butler’s ears flicked as if they wanted to droop but were too well trained to betray him. “And yes, the plates are resistant to Komodo venom.”

Louis closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. “Good. Very good. Then why do I feel like something is about to go wrong?”

Yuta, with the tact of a saint, did not answer that. He simply tilted his head, and Louis could hear the silent suggestion in it: perhaps a glass of wine would help. The stag bristled at the thought. He would not be reduced to calming his nerves with alcohol before the festivities even began. That would be admitting defeat.

Of course, thirty minutes later he was sipping a carefully watered-down white, glaring at the tree in the salon as though the poor, inoffensive fir had personally wronged him. Why had he agreed to this? Why had he thought it wise to host something so close to a family gathering? His father-in-law, his wife, his two lovers, the intimidating prospect of meeting Legosi’s grandfather again, and the eternally ornery Yafya all under one roof. The very idea was madness.

Worse than madness, it was an open invitation to disaster.

What had he been thinking?

He was already rehearsing possible calamities in his mind. Legosi might hug him too warmly in front of everyone and raise eyebrows, or Miyagi might flash one of those effortlessly charming smiles at just the wrong time. Yafya could scowl hard enough to curdle the custard. Gosha could get upset, and his venom would melt a hole straight through the table. Azuki would of course take it all in stride while her father silently disapproved, but Louis was the one responsible for order, and order demanded perfection.

“Why are you staring at the tree like it owes you money?” Azuki’s voice broke through his spiraling thoughts. She stepped up beside him, her pregnant belly preceding her like a herald, her tone equal parts affectionate and mocking.

Louis smoothed his expression instantly. “I was merely… reflecting on the aesthetic balance of the ornaments.”

“Hmm. Of course.” She smiled knowingly and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “It’s beautiful, Louis. Everything is. Stop worrying so much. It’s Rexmas Eve, not a board meeting.”

He managed a thin smile back, though inside his mind kept whirring. Not a board meeting? If only. Board meetings didn’t require Komodo venom-resistant cutlery as a matter of course.

The doorbell rang. Louis nearly spilled his wine.

Renauld, as expected, was early. He swept in with the brisk confidence of a man who had never doubted himself in his life, hugging Azuki carefully and casting a keen glance over Louis as if evaluating a particularly interesting investment. Louis returned the greeting with impeccable politeness, then watched his father-in-law settle comfortably by the fire with a glass of mulled wine. Renauld looked serene, as though the universe was entirely in order. Louis envied him with a bitterness usually reserved for incompetent subordinates.

He had only just unclenched his jaw when another knock announced Legosi, Gosha, and Yafya. Legosi’s presence hit him like a gale-force wind: all warmth, all energy, all exuberance. The grey wolf wrapped him in an embrace so fierce Louis thought he might actually crack a rib. For one dreadful instant he froze, acutely aware of Gosha’s watchful gaze. But then the Komodo only chuckled and wheeled a scowling Yafya further into the room. Relief washed over Louis, though he covered it by nuzzling subtly into the wolf’s scruff—just enough to look affectionate, not enough to be incriminating.

“I missed you, Louis!”

Legosi grinned at him, so wide, so unguarded, that Louis nearly forgot the panic prickling at the edges of his mind. Nearly.

“We've literally had breakfast together, you dumb dog.” Ah, that just made his tail wag faster. Why did nature look at this wolf and decided that he should have the personality of a clumsy puppy?

Miyagi was the last to arrive, his timing as deliberate as his smile was thin. Louis braced himself, smoothing the front of his shirt once more before greeting him at the door. The embrace was warm enough, affectionate even, but Louis felt the hollowness in it. When he stepped back, he caught the way Miyagi’s eyes flickered past his own face, then past Legosi’s, as if afraid that looking too long would burn him.

Louis’s ear twitched. Really? After all the trouble of hashing things out, now he decides to start sulking again? He forced his own smile wider, sharp enough to cut glass, and murmured something gracious while his stomach tightened with irritation. He would not let this evening dissolve into awkwardness because one wolf couldn’t manage basic eye contact.

A quick glance at Legosi should have been enough to prompt some silent communication. Except Legosi was oblivious, as usual, already swept into conversation with Azuki and his grandfather, his ears perked happily, his tail swishing like an oversized metronome. Louis bit back the urge to grind his teeth. Clearly, subtlety would get him nowhere tonight.

He had just taken a determined step in Legosi’s direction, someone had to point out Miyagi’s odd behavior, and apparently it would be him, when Gosha’s gravelly voice cut across the room.

“Louis, thank you again for the donation to the kindergarten. It really means the world to us.”

The Komodo’s broad smile was disarming, startling even, and Louis’s mind blanked for a fraction of a second. Kindergarten? Donation? He scrambled, blinking, before memory finally caught up: a brief conversation with Legosi weeks ago. Something about the nursery school his grandfather volunteered at being short on funds. Legosi had been hesitant, almost embarrassed to ask. Louis had waved it off; Horns’s charitable wing signed off larger sums every other Tuesday. And Legosi’s relieved smile had been worth ten times the money.

“Ah. Yes, of course.” He gathered himself quickly, nodding with dignity. “It was a pleasure to help. Community programs of that sort are invaluable.”

Gosha’s grin broadened, and for an instant Louis was struck by how uncanny it looked: so like Legosi’s, full of warmth and sincerity, though grafted onto a reptilian face where such an expression looked almost foreign. He found himself oddly charmed despite his nerves.

Azuki swooped in with perfect timing, seizing on the subject. “Gosha, Legosi told me all about the volunteer work you do there. It’s wonderful. I imagine the children must adore you.”

Louis let her take over, nodding occasionally while nursing his glass. Out of the corner of his eye, he swept the room again. Renauld had somehow managed the impossible: he’d drawn Yafya into an actual conversation. The stallion looked sour enough to curdle cream, but he was at least answering, which Louis figured counted as progress. Legosi was still wagging his tail, wholly at ease, caught between Azuki’s questions and Gosha’s chuckles. And then there was Miyagi.

The wolf stood in the corner, half-hidden by the glow of the firelight. His posture was relaxed to anyone not paying attention, but Louis saw the tension in his shoulders, the way his thumb worried the stem of his wine glass, his eyes fixed as though the secrets of the universe were hidden in the spiced liquid. The sight gnawed at Louis, setting his nerves jangling again.

Just then, Yuta glided into the salon with impeccable timing, his voice a calm anchor. “Dinner is ready, if you would care to follow me.”

The announcement landed like a reprieve. Louis seized it, straightening his shoulders, smoothing his expression into calm hospitality. Dinner first. Then gifts. Perhaps, when everyone was lulled by good food and the glow of Rexmas cheer, he could corner Miyagi and pry the truth out of him.

Dinner for mixed company was a logistical puzzle Louis had obsessed over for weeks. Herbivores, carnivores had quite different palates; it was a miracle some households didn’t dissolve into riots over menus alone. But Louis had the advantage of a chef who treated dietary boundaries as a creative challenge rather than a limitation. With Legosi practically living at the manor now and Miyagi a regular presence, the kitchen had grown adept at producing rich, flavorful meals that satisfied both carnivores and herbivores alike.

Tonight’s spread was proof of that expertise: roasted vegetables glazed with honey, steaming bowls of herb-infused grains, and an array of meat alternatives so artfully prepared Louis half-suspected even the Shishigumi might have been fooled.There was also a selection of carefully prepared egg dishes, balanced with sauces and sides that complemented the herbivore dishes. The air carried a warm medley of scents, rich and welcoming, and the sight of everyone leaning in eagerly to their plates was enough to finally, mercifully, ease the knot in Louis’s chest.

Not entirely, of course. He wouldn’t be Louis if some part of him weren’t still fretting. But seeing Legosi dive into his plate with undisguised joy, seeing Miyagi animatedly regaling Azuki with some ludicrous actor’s anecdote, seeing even Yafya grudgingly applying himself to the food with less of a scowl… it all helped. Louis took a slow breath, the corners of his mouth curving despite himself. Maybe the evening wouldn’t collapse into catastrophe after all.

As Miyagi turned away to refill his wine, he leaned toward Azuki, his glass of wine half-raised, and whispered slyly, “You’d think you’d know all this already, wouldn’t you? Considering you practically ran the studio for the longest time.”

Azuki arched a brow at him, feigning a mild reprimand. “Oh, actors always keep the most embarrassing stories hidden until they explode. It’s practically a sport.”

Louis gave her a skeptical look but let it slide. If he were honest, she looked like she was enjoying herself too much to be contradicted. And really, what harm was there in indulging in a little gossip now and then? At least one of them had learned how to relax.

When the last dishes had been cleared, Azuki ushered everyone back into the salon. The fire had burned down to a steady glow, the tree glittered, and the pile of gifts beneath it beckoned. Azuki’s present to Louis came first: a sleek envelope containing a weekend getaway, accommodations for three. Louis’s ears flicked, then swiveled sharply toward her. He caught the wink she gave before turning her attention back to her father, and he suppressed a groan. Subtle as a brick, that one. Still, he couldn’t deny the gift was clever. The only real challenge now would be aligning three infuriatingly incompatible schedules.

He presented his gift to her next: a platinum necklace inset with amber, complete with matching earrings. Azuki’s delight was instantaneous, her laughter bright as she fastened the necklace and turned to show it off to Renauld, who nodded his approval with the faintest smile.

Around the room, packages were exchanged with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Gosha accepted a scarf from his grandson with gracious thanks. Yafya, still prickly, frowned his way through the act of giving and receiving, though Louis thought he caught the faintest softening when Gosha placed a brightly wrapped box in his lap.

It was all going well; smooth, orderly, dare he even say festive, when Louis rose from his seat and sidled toward Legosi. He leaned in, lowering his voice. “May I steal you for a moment? With your grandfather’s permission, of course.”

Gosha looked up from untying a ribbon, smiling broadly. “Of course, of course. Go right ahead.” He waved them off and turned toward Yafya, who muttered something under his breath but was soon distracted when the Komodo shoved a glass of mulled wine into his hands.

Louis caught Legosi’s wrist gently and tugged him toward the side building. The wolf’s ears pricked in confusion, though his tail wagged with excitement.

When they entered the headquarters, Legosi stopped short, eyes immediately locking onto the canvas-draped shape that hadn’t been there before.

Louis allowed himself a rare moment of theatricality. With a flourish, he whipped the covering away to reveal a large terrarium, lush with carefully arranged foliage and a warm, humid glow. Inside, two impossibly delicate jungle nymphs clung to branches, their vivid green forms almost indistinguishable from the leaves.

Legosi gasped, stepping closer. “Heteropteryx dilatata!” he exclaimed, voice full of boyish wonder. “Louis, you—how—” His words tripped over themselves as he pressed his hands to the glass, eyes wide with awe. “They’re beautiful. I can’t believe—you got me jungle nymphs. Actual jungle nymphs. Oh, and there’s a care booklet too!”

Before Louis could reply, he was caught in a crushing embrace, Legosi’s arms locked around him in sheer gratitude. The stag’s heart thudded hard, but he allowed himself to relax into it, even if only for a moment. “Happy Rexmas,” he murmured against Legosi’s shoulder, feeling uncharacteristically pleased with himself.

Legosi released him suddenly, ears flattening in sheepishness. “Sorry. I just—thank you.” He scratched awkwardly at the back of his head, tail still wagging uncontrollably, before fishing in his pocket. “My gift isn’t nearly as… elaborate, but I really hope you’ll like it.”

He produced an envelope and held it out with both hands, as if offering something fragile. Louis took it, raising a brow in curiosity. He slid a finger beneath the flap, drawing it open—

—and paused. Inside were gift certificates for B-Strike.

Louis blinked. B-Strike? The stag tilted his head, momentarily thrown. Yes, it was generous enough, and he appreciated the gesture, but… wasn’t B-Strike the sort of establishment tailored almost entirely to carnivores and gym-rats? What on earth would he do with— wait. Why were these for groups of up to a dozen?

He looked up, clearly puzzled. Legosi’s ears drooped sheepishly as he hurried to explain. “I just… I couldn’t think of anything you couldn’t just buy yourself. So I thought…maybe something you could share. With your lions. I mean, I still don’t really know how I feel about you hiring them, but… they do seem loyal. And if they’re important to you, then…well. This way you all get something together.”

The words landed with unexpected weight. Louis’s throat tightened as he stared at the wolf, struck by the thoughtfulness hidden beneath Legosi’s awkward delivery. Considering how the two had first crossed paths with the lions, through blood, bruises, and the ugliest corners of the Black Market, this was no small gesture. His arms moved before he could stop them, pulling Legosi into another hug.

“Thank you,” Louis said simply, feeling more moved than he could admit aloud.

Legosi’s tail wagged furiously as he held tight, then pulled back to add, half-nervous, half-hopeful, “And maybe this way they’ll forgive me for, you know… raiding their headquarters and embarrassing them in front of the entire market.”

Louis chuckled, brushing it aside with a wave of his hand. “Oh, I think they’ve forgiven you already. I may have mentioned the time you cross-dressed to sneak into the Black Market to meet me.”

Legosi went rigid, eyes going wide. “You—you didn’t. Louis, tell me you didn’t.”

The stag smirked, entirely unrepentant. Legosi gave a strangled whine and collapsed onto the nearest couch, burying his face in his hands. “Free will never let me live that down!”

Louis sat beside him, patting his head with mock sympathy. “Consider it repayment for all the times you’ve endangered yourself despite me telling you not to, hm?”

Before Legosi could muster a retort, a knock sounded at the door. Sharp, hesitant. Louis frowned, rising to answer. He swung it open to find Miyagi standing there, shoulders taut, eyes shadowed.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Miyagi said quietly. “But I… I need to tell you something. Something important.”

As Miyagi stepped inside, the door clicked shut behind him with a finality that made Louis’s chest tighten. The older wolf’s shoulders were curved inward, his eyes darting anywhere but at them. Louis felt his stomach sink.

The older wolf must have followed them after they left the salon, most likely to talk to them away from everyone else. The way Miyagi carried himself certainly screamed of a man on the edge, and Louis had learned long ago to listen to such signals.

The older wolf awkwardly cleared his throat, looking for all the world as if he would rather be anywhere but here. “You might want to sit down.”

Louis obeyed without question, tension knotting across his shoulders as though bracing for a blow. Even Legosi stopped fidgeting, his ears tilting back at the shift in atmosphere.

Miyagi lowered himself onto the couch opposite them. He rested his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor as if words themselves weighed him down. Louis’s thoughts spun: had they been exposed? Had the tabloids caught them?

Was Miyagi here to end things— no, no, that couldn’t be right. Miyagi wouldn’t choose Rexmas of all days. That would just be cruel. Still, his pulse thudded like a war drum.

At last, Miyagi lifted his head, turning not towards the deer but to Legosi. His voice was cautious, almost formal. “You remember when I helped you move your things into the manor?”

Legosi tilted his head, puzzled, before nodding slowly. “Yeah. We… talked about family, didn’t we? You were surprisingly understanding, given… well, given my grandfather. Most people wouldn’t be so casual about it.”

A small, humorless smile touched Miyagi’s muzzle. “Yes. That conversation… well, it left an impact. It woke things I thought I had all but forgotten.” His eyes clouded, his voice drifting into a ramble. “Actors, especially when we’re young, we’re not saints. I wasn’t any different. Young, reckless… proud. I thought a single role meant the world owed me. I had autograph photos printed before anyone cared.”

Louis frowned, his tail flicking. “Miyagi, whatever you did in the past, we don’t care. Neither Legosi nor I would judge you for it. So why bring this up now?”

Legosi glanced between them, ears twitching. His confusion mirrored Louis’s, until Miyagi let out a laugh; low, strained, a sound more fitting for a condemned man signing his own death warrant. It chilled the room.

“I remember one woman,” Miyagi said at last, his tone hushed. “A she-wolf. Gorgeous, radiant. I never forgot her. But… there was one odd thing about her that I still remember clearly. She didn’t let me see her back, even when we spent the night together. She said there were scars.”

Legosi straightened, the shift sudden, violent. His claws dug into the couch, muscles going rigid. Louis blinked, bewildered. He could practically hear the blood drain from Legosi’s ears.

Miyagi’s eyes softened with sorrow. “I touched her there once. Just once. And I…thinking back I don’t think those felt like scars.”

Miyagi’s voice broke it, quiet and breaking, looking at Legosi like he was regretting the words even as he spoke them. “Do you remember, Legosi? You told me your mother noticed scales growing on her back. That she had you after a one-night stand because she was scared it would get worse.”

Legosi’s breath hitched, lips parting, but no words came.

The silence pressed heavy, thick. Louis sat frozen, utterly lost, watching his partner transform before his eyes into something taut and brittle, as if the truth had already begun to unmake him.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about it. About you. I took a sample of your fur, then sent it to a laboratory.” He paused, the weight of inevitability settling over them.

“Legosi… I’m your father.”

Legosi sat frozen, staring at Miyagi as though the older wolf had suddenly spoken in a foreign language. His chest rose and fell in shallow bursts, every breath snagging as though it had to fight its way out. Miyagi kept his gaze fixed on the floor, refusing to meet Legosi’s wide, disbelieving eyes. It was like a bad dream, one of those impossible ones that twisted the world upside down while Legosi ran away from a gigantic wolf-eating centipede.

Surely he was hearing things, right? He’d wake up any second, and Louis would be in his face, furiously frowning and chiding him for getting drunk on too much eggnog.

Beside him, Louis let out a sharp, incredulous snort, then clamped a hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh. The deer forced a smile, the kind he wore when facing a hostile crowd or a room full of reporters. “That’s an awful joke, Miyagi. Especially today of all days. You should know better than—”

But Miyagi didn’t smile. His ears drooped lower, his mouth tight. “It’s not a joke,” he said quietly. “Legosi is my son.” Slowly, the wolf pulled a letter from his suit, and both of them went still when they saw the paternity test.

…

…what?

The smile on Louis’s face froze in place before collapsing altogether. He slumped back into the couch as though his legs had given way. “That’s impossible,” Louis said, shaking his head in disbelief. His voice was cracking, sharp, desperate. “It’s impossible. Are you telling me… I can’t have ended up in a relationship with two men who just... just happened to be father and son. Do you realize how insane that sounds? The odds are astronomical!”

“I’m sorry,” Miyagi repeated, his tone flat, tired. He sounded like someone already bracing for punishment.

Why are you apologizing?

“Sorry?” Louis shot back, his voice rising. “That’s all you have to say? You drop this... this insanity into our laps on Rexmas and think ‘sorry’ fixes it?!” His hands trembled as he buried his face in them, his antlers quivering with the violent shake of his shoulders.

Wait, what’s happening right now!?

Miyagi flinched at the volume, his ears pinning back. “You’re right,” he murmured, nodding, almost bowing his head. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have come.”

No, wait, stop it! I just met you, I mean, I’ve met you before, but I didn’t know you were—

“I’ll… I’ll tell them there’s an emergency. I’ll leave.”

The older wolf rose heavily to his feet and shuffled to the door. The sound of the handle turning jolted Legosi back into his body. The younger wolf surged forward and slapped a hand against the door, keeping it from closing. His voice finally found him, rough and shaky. “You can’t just leave now! You— you can’t say something like that and then walk away.”

Miyagi turned, his eyes hollow. “And what would you have me do, Legosi? How do you propose we talk about this? Do you seriously want to share your boyfriend with your father?”

Legosi opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His throat worked, his tongue stumbled, but the words dissolved into silence. He didn’t know where to start. He didn’t know how. All his life, he had told himself meeting his father was a fantasy, something for other people. Never in a million years did he think the moment would come crashing down on him like this.

Miyagi’s gaze softened with a kind of sorrowful acceptance Legosi had never seen before. He nodded toward Louis, who hadn’t moved from the couch. Legosi followed the gesture and froze when his nose caught the sharp, salty tang of tears. Louis’s shoulders were shaking, his head buried in his hands. Horror twisted Legosi’s gut; Louis was crying.

“Take care of him,” Miyagi whispered. His voice cracked on the words. He pulled the door free of Legosi’s frozen hand and stepped out, shutting it with a final click that felt like the world sealing off.

For a moment, Legosi stood torn between the door and the couch, heart hammering in his chest so violently he thought it might break through his ribs. His instincts screamed to run after Miyagi, to demand answers, to cling to a father he never thought he’d have. But the sound of Louis’s heaving lungs tethered him where he was.

With a heavy swallow, Legosi turned and crossed the room. He lowered himself beside Louis, hesitating only a second before pulling the deer into his arms. Louis collapsed into him instantly, clutching at Legosi with desperate fingers as though trying to keep himself from falling apart. His voice was muffled against Legosi’s chest, thick with grief. “Damn it. Damit it, we just had everything sorted out!”

Legosi tightened his hold, one hand stroking the back of Louis’s neck, the other wrapped around his trembling frame. He wanted to say something comforting, something steady, but nothing came. His own mind was too much of a storm, crashing between Miyagi’s revelation and Louis’s devastation. Legosi had never wished as fervently that he wasn't so clumsy and awkward when it came to communicating. If he were smarter, maybe he would know the words that would make everything right again. But right now, all he could do was hold the deer ighter, letting Louis cling as hard as he needed, and pray that his embrace could speak the words his mouth couldn't seem to form.

Bill was unusually nervous as he entered his childhood home for the evening’s celebrations. True, he’d always enjoyed Rexmas in the past, and this hadn’t changed when he entered adulthood. Still, why did he think that inviting Pina was a good idea? He hoped Pina made good on his promise and kept his usual playful teasing and prodding to a minimum.

Upon entering, Bill somewhat awkwardly introduced Pina to his mother Mary and father John, and Bill once again thanked the almighty that Pina chose to dress conservatively for the evening. Well, conservatively by Pina’s standards at least.

Mary beamed. “Welcome, welcome! Oh Bill, it’s so good to have you home. And you must be Pina. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Pina flashed his most charming smile. “All lies, I assure you. But I do hope some of them were flattering.”

“Do come in. Oh, Bill so rarely brings over any of his friends anymore. I hardly know what’s going on his life.”

John raised an eyebrow but chuckled as they all settled down with mulled wine. Pina wasted no time praising Bill’s hard work as his bodyguard, as well as the training the tiger put himself through. John’s stern face softened a little.

Bill really would prefer it if Pina wouldn’t lay it on quite so thick, though his parents seemed to take the Dall sheep’s mannerisms in stride.

“You’re right about that,” John said with a proud grunt. “Bill’s always been dedicated. Too dedicated sometimes.”

Mary laughed. “He gets that from you, dear.”

Pina leaned forward slightly, his tone softer. “I know I’m intruding a bit, but… thank you for having me here. I didn’t want to impose.”

Mary waved a hand, smiling warmly. “Don’t be silly, dear. Rexmas is about family and friends. We’re delighted to have you.”

Bill knew his mother loved entertaining guests, and unlike his father, she was obsessed with prying into her son’s private life. It used to annoy Bill a lot, but he’d gained quite a lot of perspective over the years.

“So, Bill,” John interjected after a sip of wine, “when are you finally going to introduce us to a girlfriend?”

Bill nearly choked on his drink. “Dad! I— I’m still not over Bella, you know that. And dating isn’t exactly easy when your job involves putting yourself in harm’s way. You’d think you of all people would know.” His mother surely never missed an opportunity to remind her husband how she browbeat him into taking a desk job at the precinct.

Pina covered his mouth to hide a grin, but his eyes sparkled with mischief. “He’s very dedicated to his work, sir.”

John hummed, then turned his gaze on Pina. “And you? Anyone special?”

Pina opened his mouth, ready with some wry retort, but Mary swatted John’s arm lightly. “Oh, stop prying into our guest’s life, John. It’s Rexmas. Let them relax.”

Bill bit back a laugh, remembering how many fashion and gossip magazines his mother devoured as soon as he told her he was working for a model. The hypocrisy was almost endearing.

Just then, Pina sniffed the air and tilted his head. “Is it just me, or does something smell a little… smoky?”

Mary’s eyes widened. “The roast!” she cried, leaping to her feet and dashing toward the kitchen.

Bill chuckled, leaning back with his cup in hand. “Ah, dear old mum never disappoints.”

Pina smirked. “I take it this isn’t the first time?”

John sighed, though there was affection in it. “Every year, without fail.”

Bill smiled to himself. No matter how old he got, he hoped his family would never change.

Chapter Text

Renauld stood in the corridor, the polished wood gleaming faintly in the muted lamplight, when Louis and Legosi emerged from the side building. Their faces told him enough before either spoke: a mixture of strain, unease, and something rawer that neither of them wanted to show outright. Azuki had worried herself into pacing after Miyagi’s sudden departure, and it had fallen to Renauld, as it often did, to be the steadying force.

He folded his arms, regarding the pair with that unblinking steadiness that had served him well throughout his career and in raising his daughter. “So,” he said simply, his tone level, “would you mind explaining why Miyagi left in such a hurry? The story he gave Azuki sounded rather strange, something about an emergency?”

Louis opened his mouth, then hesitated. Legosi shifted uncomfortably beside him, eyes darting anywhere but at Renauld’s face. The silence stretched long enough for the older stag to arch a brow.

Finally, Legosi managed: “It’s… complicated. We need to speak to him directly. He shouldn’t have gone like that.”

Complicated, Renauld thought with an inward snort. What do you mean with “It’s complicated”? You’re adults; talk this over instead of skulking about like children who’ve broken a vase.

But outwardly, the elder stag remained impassive. He’d always prided himself on his great poker face, and an appearance of calm usually worked wonders on those around him.

“Very well,” Renauld said. “I assume there is no danger, only… drama.” His tone betrayed a sliver of disdain at the word. Both young men flinched as if stung, which was confirmation enough.

Louis ran a hand down his face, exhaustion clear in every motion. “I’ll try to call him,” he muttered, pulling his phone from his pocket. A few seconds later, he swore softly under his breath. “Turned off. He’s probably back at his apartment.”

Renauld exhaled slowly, long-suffering sigh. “Then go. Find him. Bring him back, if possible. I will keep the others calm. Try to be back soon.” His antlers gave a faint shake as he waved the pair toward the door. “Go on, before your absence causes more questions.”

The younger deer looked at him with something close to relief, though the wolf still lingered as though seeking permission. How ridiculous. Renauld fixed them both with a firm stare until they moved.

Alone once more, Renauld allowed his jaw to tighten and the mask to slip. Actors. He had tolerated Miyagi for Azuki and for Louis, but truly, they vanished without warning, storming about, hearts on sleeves; it was everything he had always thought of that vain, melodramatic profession. Irrational, self-absorbed, and now he’s dragging everyone else into his theatrics. And the man wasn’t even young enough to excuse such behavior as youthful folly. No, he was well past that.

Another mark against him, as far as Renauld was concerned. Why did Louis have to have such an atrocious taste in men? Surely someone more biddable and calm would’ve been a better match.

If only Azuki had informed him earlier; he’d have taken Louis aside and recommended a few establishments more in line with the younger stag’s interests. If push came to shove and Louis was hell-bent on a long-term relationship, he’d have made some discrete inquiries to find someone suitable.

What a mess. Sometimes I wonder if youth truly is wasted on the young.

Well, that might be a tad uncharitable. Outside his unfortunate but manageable attraction to male large-breed predators, Louis was proving to be pretty much the ideal husband for his daughter. Shaking his head, the older stag turned back toward the salon. The murmur of voices and the crackle of the fire reached him as he neared. He straightened his posture, smoothing the disapproval from his face and wrinkles from his suit before stepping inside.

Whatever his private opinions, Azuki had made her opinion on the matter clear enough. As long as she was content, he would keep his to himself.

The streets of the city were deserted, their headlights carving tunnels of light through the still Rexmas Eve night. Legosi gripped the steering wheel a little too tightly, his claws faintly pressing into the leather, while beside him Louis sat rigid, jaw clenched, a foot tapping restlessly against the car floor. The silence was broken only by the soft hum of the engine and the faint rhythm of Louis’s impatient tapping.

By the time they pulled up to Miyagi’s apartment building, Legosi had worked himself into a knot of nerves. The skyscraper loomed above them, its glass façade reflecting the festive glow of the city. Legosi was just about to ask how they would even get inside when Louis wordlessly pulled a keycard from his coat pocket and swiped it at the entrance panel. The door clicked open.

“Of course,” Legosi muttered under his breath, feeling slightly foolish. Of course Miyagi had given Louis a key. Why wouldn’t he? For a moment, Legosi felt sad that he no longer had an apartment he could give Louis a key to, before quickly dismissing the thought.

The elevator ride was thick with tension. Louis leaned back against the mirrored wall, arms folded tight, his reflection just as stormy as the real thing. “Unbelievable,” he muttered, more to himself than to Legosi.

It was remarkable how quickly Louis could channel worry into anger. In times like these, the wolf really admired his ability to stay determined without constantly dithering over what to do.

“Who just drops something like this in the middle of a holiday and then runs? He dumps this entire disaster on us and bolts. Inconsiderate ass.” His shoe tapped faster, the metal floor picking up the irritated rhythm.

Legosi shifted uneasily. Normally, he might have tried to smooth things over, to coax Louis into calming down, but his own nerves were frayed. His chest was a mess of fear, anger, and something too tangled to name. He stayed quiet, staring at the ascending numbers above the elevator door.

When the doors slid open, Miyagi was right there—standing in the foyer of his penthouse, eyes wide, clearly not expecting them. “You… followed me?” His voice carried both surprise and something like weariness.

Louis didn’t even hesitate. He shouldered past, muttering, “Don’t flatter yourself,” as he strode into the apartment. Miyagi flinched but didn’t protest, too stunned by the intrusion. Legosi, after hesitating a second, paused just long enough to murmur, “Sorry for barging in,” before stepping in after Louis.

The penthouse was sleek, modern, all polished glass and dark wood. Legosi barely registered it; his focus was on the way Miyagi’s shoulders sagged as they all moved into the living room.

Louis crossed his arms, fixing the older wolf with a hard stare. “So? You want to explain what the hell that was?”

Miyagi rubbed a paw across his muzzle, exhaling. “I… I found out today. The results only came in this morning.” His voice was low, flat. “I panicked. I thought… I thought I had to tell you both immediately, and then you left and I knew you’d be alone for the moment. And I knew couldn’t tell you at the party…” He shook his head. “I handled it badly. I know that. But I didn’t think…” His voice cracked slightly. “I didn’t think our relationship would survive this revelation anyway.”

Legosi felt heat rise in his chest, words pushing past his usual hesitance. “So your solution was to throw it in our faces and run? That’s your idea of handling it?” His tail twitched restlessly against the couch. He surprised himself with the sharpness of his tone before catching himself.

Huh. He hadn’t realized he’d been angry.

Miyagi’s ears flattened. “I… I’ve been under a lot of stress. More than you know. And when I saw you leaving the party, I thought maybe—maybe it was my chance to tell you privately. Away from the others.”

Louis let out a short, bitter laugh. “Couldn’t you have waited until tomorrow? Or hell, after the holidays?” His words dripped with sarcasm, but Legosi noticed that the mention of stress made the deer pause, just a fraction, the anger in his eyes dimming into something else. Work stress had been crushing Louis for weeks now. Maybe that was why the deer’s expression shifted, just slightly, from fury to something more weary.

The room was thick with unspoken tension, emotions crackling like static. Legosi found himself blurting out before he could stop: “I don’t care how badly you handled it. I want to get to know you.” His throat felt tight, but he pushed through. “I lost my mother when I was little. I’m not just going to throw away the chance to know my father.”

Miyagi froze, eyes widening. “Are you sure?” There was fragility in his voice Legosi had never heard before.

Legosi hesitated, just for a moment, because the memory of the night they had spent with Louis together surged back. His stomach flipped. But he forced himself to meet Miyagi’s gaze. “Yes. I’m sure.”

For a second, Miyagi just stared at him, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Then, slowly, his shoulders eased. “All right,” he murmured. “All right. I’ll… I’ll come back with you.”

Louis said nothing. He only let out a sharp exhale, his ear flicking in irritation and no doubt fighting off another migraine. Legosi couldn’t tell what that silence meant, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to.

They left the penthouse together, and in the car Legosi took the wheel again. Louis slid wordlessly into the backseat, as though wanting to remove himself from the conversation. Miyagi sat stiffly in the passenger seat, close enough that Legosi could feel the weight of his presence but too far to bridge the gulf between them.

The drive was silent for long minutes, the city’s holiday lights streaking past in colorful blurs. Legosi’s earlier surge of defiance drained into nervous energy, his stomach knotted with unease. His father, his father, was sitting right there, and he had no idea what to do with that reality.

Finally, Miyagi spoke, his voice quiet but cutting through the silence. “I’m sorry. For all of it. Ever since I started to suspect, I didn’t know how to handle it. With either of you. I’ve never felt this insecure about anything in my life.”

Legosi’s grip around the steering wheel tightened, the leather creaking softly beneath his fingers, before he forced himself to ease his hold. He knew this feeling too well: the way panic could close in like a vice, leaving no room to breathe if he didn’t ground himself. Drawing in a deep breath, he kept his eyes on the quiet, empty road and said, steady but firm, “First, we’re going back to Louis’s estate. We’ll finish the party. Then, we’ll talk. I think you should stay the night, Miyagi.”

The older wolf shifted uneasily beside him, his voice tentative. “Is that really—?”

“You’ll stay the night.” Louis’s voice cut like a blade from the backseat, his glare burning into the side of Miyagi’s face. The words were a hiss, laced with fury. “We’re going to talk this over properly.”

Miyagi flinched and dipped his head, as if chastened. “Alright. I’ll stay.”

Silence pressed in for a moment before Louis spoke again. “Does anyone else know? About you being Legosi’s father.”

Miyagi’s hesitation was brief but telling. “My manager, Cynthia. She knows. About both of us. About me and you, too,” he admitted, his tone heavy with regret. “I didn’t mean to tell her, it slipped out. I was panicking.”

Louis’s suspicion was immediate. “And how much do you trust her?”

“With my life,” Miyagi said without pause. His voice, though quiet, carried a conviction that even Legosi couldn’t doubt. “She’s been with me from the start, first as my agent, then my manager. She’s… she’s my best friend. I wouldn’t be here without her.”

Louis leaned back, still glaring, but seemed slightly mollified. Legosi, sensing a small break in the storm, spoke up. “Then, on that note… I want to tell my grandfather. About everything. Not just that you’re my father, Miyagi. About me and Louis, too. Maybe not everything all at once, but I don’t want to hide it from him anymore. He deserves to know. And…” He swallowed, forcing the words past the lump in his throat. “I don’t like keeping secrets from him. Not when Azuki and Renauld already know.”

Miyagi turned sharply, disbelief flickering across his features. “Legosi, are you sure?”

“Yes,” Legosi said, though his voice wavered. “I’m sure.”

Louis’s agreement came without hesitation, to Miyagi’s visible surprise. “Gosha’s a reasonable man. More than reasonable. There’s nothing Legosi could do that would make his grandfather abandon him. He loves him too much, and he wouldn’t hurt the people Legosi cares about.”

Legosi felt a warmth at those words that cut through the cold anxiety lingering in his chest. He didn’t miss the way Miyagi looked almost unsettled by Louis’s certainty.

Louis is right though. I don’t have to be scared of grandpa. I just have to make sure there’s a glass bowl in reach.

The gates of Louis’s estate loomed into view, their iron shapes stark against the night. Legosi’s stomach tightened. They’d need a story, something quick, believable enough to cover the gaping hole of their absence.

“What did you tell them when you left?” Louis asked sharply, narrowing his eyes at Miyagi.

Miyagi’s ears flicked back, his face flushing. “I… told Azuki the building manager called. Said my apartment was flooded. A burst pipe.”

Legosi’s jaw dropped, and he glanced at Louis, who looked just as floored. “You said what?”

Miyagi cringed, staring fixedly ahead. “It was the first thing I thought of. I’m not a script writer, I improvised.”

Legosi shook his head in disbelief, wondering how in the world Miyagi had delivered such a brazen lie with a straight face. Louis pinched the bridge of his nose before muttering, “Fine. Then we’re running with the story. We’ll say you dropped your phone and Legosi offered to drive me to your place since I’d had too much to drink. If anyone asks about the pipe, you tell them it was a prank.”

Miyagi nodded, subdued. Legosi exhaled, focusing on the task ahead as they rolled up the long drive. The estate glowed warmly, its windows bright with the celebration seemingly still in full swing.

As soon as they stepped inside the salon, the gathered voices swelled to greet them. Relief rippled through Legosi when he realized the guests remained blissfully unaware. Renauld, it seemed, had succeeded in keeping everything in order.

Azuki quickly came over, her steps brisk despite the weight of her belly. She bent slightly, one hand resting protectively on her side as the other fluttered toward Miyagi. “Are you alright? What happened? You look pale. Didn’t you have to wait for the plumber or a janitor at least?”

Legosi saw the older wolf’s posture stiffen, his ears twitching in barely concealed panic. Miyagi’s eyes flicked sideways to Louis, and Legosi almost pitied him for the instant, because Louis’s glare could have cut stone. The weight of it alone made Legosi want to swallow and look away… and it wasn’t even directed at him!

But Miyagi recovered quickly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “It was nothing, Azuki,” he said with practiced ease. “Just a… well, a bad joke, really. Someone thought it would be funny to claim my apartment had flooded. Ridiculous, of course. I don’t know who would do such a thing. Probably someone at the building management pulling an ill-advised prank.”

Azuki gasped, her eyes flashing in outrage. “On Rexmas? That’s cruel! Who would ruin someone’s evening like that?” She shook her head, already fussing with Miyagi’s suit as if smoothing away the insult.

Louis’s reply came sharp as a blade, his smile tight and his tone dripping with venom. “Truly, only a complete idiot would spoil someone’s holiday with such thoughtless nonsense. And then, of course, hide afterward like a coward.”

If the barb struck him, the older wolf didn’t let it show. Miyagi didn’t so much as flinch. His expression remained mild, even faintly amused, though Legosi could see the faint tautness in his jaw. How did he manage that, Legosi wondered, to sit beneath Louis’s fury and not betray even a twitch of guilt or hurt? It was as if the older wolf had trained himself to wear composure like armor. Legosi wasn’t sure if he admired it, or if it unsettled him.

Instead, Miyagi nodded as if agreeing with Azuki’s outrage, murmuring something polite about not letting such foolishness dampen the evening. Azuki gave his arm a reassuring pat, still indignant on his behalf, then bustled off to fetch him a fresh drink.

The three of them shared a tense silence for the briefest moment, broken only by the laughter and music from the rest of the partygoers. Then, without another word, they drifted back into the current of the gathering.

Legosi sank onto the couch, his nerves finally settling into something like exhaustion. Miyagi, too, reclaimed a seat, his face a mask of pleasant unconcern. Louis stood nearby, hands clasped behind his back, expression carved into marble. To anyone else, they might have seemed perfectly at ease, but Legosi could feel the fragile threads straining between them.

His gaze drifted to the grandfather clock in the corner, its brass pendulum swinging with steady, deliberate rhythm. Almost eleven. Barely an hour until midnight. Legosi let out a slow breath.

Not much longer, then.

As he’d suspected, his grandfather and Yafya were the first to make their excuses. Either the holiday atmosphere or the mulled wine had done quite a good job with the stallion; Yafya was sitting placidly in his wheelchair, cradling the gift Gosha had given him, and Legosi swore he could even see him smile at his grandpa on occasion. The sight made Legosi’s chest tighten with a bittersweet pang; this peacefulness was a stark contrast to the storm of emotions still roiling inside him.

Next to leave was Renauld, the older stag bidding them goodbye with a promise to Louis to send him a summary of recent company developments. His departure left a quiet, measured weight in the room, the kind that only a man used to command and order could carry. Legosi noted the deliberate calm in Renauld’s manner, an unspoken reassurance that the evening, despite the upheaval, had been a success.

Shortly after, Azuki yawned delicately and announced that she would retire for the night as well. She gave her husband a chaste kiss goodnight, then sent a wink to Legosi, who sat next to him. Legosi’s ears heated instantly, and his tail twitched in a flustered response.

With everyone else departing, the two wolves and the deer were left alone in the salon, only the crackling fireplace offering a steady, warm backdrop. Legosi’s paws itched, his tail flicking nervously against the plush couch. He felt intensely awkward; even though he had suggested this conversation, uncertainty gnawed at him. Where did one even begin when the foundation of reality had been shaken so abruptly?

Legosi had settled on one end of the couch, Miyagi on the other, both avoiding each other’s eyes. Louis sat in an armchair near the fireplace, his posture commanding and silent, as if daring either wolf to breach the tension first. Legosi’s fur pricked every time Louis’s gaze swept across him, the air thick with unspoken expectations.

Finally, Louis sighed, breaking the suffocating silence. “Clearly, this isn’t working,” he said, his voice measured but edged with impatience. His tone was clipped, cool, but his eyes burned where the firelight caught them. He turned his gaze to Miyagi. “Why did you just run out on us? You could see I was upset, but you threw it all into Legosi’s lap. Do you know how cruel that was?”

Miyagi’s ears twitched, his posture slumping further as if weighed down by his own guilt. He hesitated before speaking, choosing his words with visible care. “I… I’m not proud of it,” he admitted.

Miyagi’s ears pressed flat, his voice low. “I know. I know it was selfish. I panicked, Louis. And I thought…” He faltered, glancing fleetingly at Legosi before staring back at the flames. “I thought if I ripped the bandage off, you’d… pick him, and that would be it. At least then I wouldn’t be strung along, hoping. But the second I walked out, it already felt like I’d cut my own heart out.”

“I knew I had no right to complain, especially since I, in some way, encouraged you to pursue Legosi. Had I known what I know now, I would have done so many things differently. I never expected to fall for you the way I did, and I never imagined I’d find out about a child I never had the chance to know. Leaving you, Legosi, to comfort him… it wasn’t fair, and I feel awful about it. I thought getting it over quickly would be easier, even though I can see now it only made things worse.”

His voice trailed off, and his head fell into his hand, a posture of quiet surrender. Legosi’s own heart twisted at the sight. The wolf looked down at his paws, unsure if he should move closer or retreat further into the couch, the emotional weight of the holiday pressing heavily upon him.

Louis, still in his chair, leaned back, his expression unreadable. “So basically, you just hoped that we could just sort ourselves out. How did you think that would work?” he asked quietly, almost more to himself than to anyone else. The subtle edge in his tone carried more hurt than anger, and Legosi shifted uneasily.

Miyagi flinched at that, shoulders hunching as though he could fold in on himself. “I don’t think you’re disposable, Louis. I don’t. And Legosi…” His gaze shifted, pained, finally meeting Legosi’s eyes. “I never wanted to hurt you. I just… don’t know how to be what either of you need me to be anymore.”

Miyagi lifted his head slowly, eyes clouded but sincere. “I didn’t know how else to handle it. I thought, maybe if I removed myself, things would settle somehow. I… I couldn’t see any other way forward in that moment. But it only left you both in a worse position, and now...”

Legosi finally dared to glance at Miyagi, catching the subtle tremor in his jaw, the tightness around his eyes, the quiet shame. His’s claws worried faint grooves into the velvet of the couch cushion, his body so tense he felt as though he might snap in half if either of them looked too closely at him. Miyagi’s words hung in the air, heavy and bitter, and though he said them with shame, Legosi could hear the ache underneath, the longing that mirrored his own.

He knew the other wolf wasn’t the type to falter easily, and this vulnerability was a rare, painful glimpse into the older wolf’s inner turmoil. Legosi’s own resentment mingled with sympathy, his tail curling anxiously.

His claws worried faint grooves into the velvet of the couch cushion, his body so tense he felt as though he might snap in half if either of them looked too closely at him. Miyagi’s words hung in the air, heavy and bitter, and though he said them with shame, Legosi could hear the ache underneath—the longing that mirrored his own.

Louis let Miyagi’s words settle in the warm glow of the fireplace, his gaze distant for a heartbeat before he finally turned toward Legosi. The younger wolf tensed instantly, ears flicking nervously, tail curling slightly around himself as though he could shrink from the weight of the conversation. Louis’s voice was soft, deliberate, and somehow commanding even in gentleness. “Legosi, what are you feeling right now?”

Legosi swallowed hard, trying to sort the tempest of emotions whirling inside him. He opened his mouth, but no words came out immediately. His paws fidgeted in his lap, and he realized his mind was a chaotic blend of hollowness, anger, and disbelief. Finally, he forced a voice through the knot of sensation. “I… I’m not really sure,” he admitted. “Part of me feels hollow, like there’s this space inside me I didn’t even know existed. And another part… is angry. Angry that I just learned I have a father, and that he tried to walk away almost immediately.”

At that, Miyagi visibly deflated in his seat. His ears drooped low, nearly disappearing into the curve of his fur. The wolf’s shoulders slumped further, and his eyes avoided both Legosi and Louis as he seemed to shrink in on himself. Legosi’s chest ached, both from guilt at the effect his words had on Miyagi and from the intensity of his own emotions.

Legosi took a deep, trembling breath, trying to gather his thoughts. “I… I won’t give Louis up,” he said firmly, voice gaining a tremor of resolve. “But I keep thinking about… everything. The night we spent together, and I don’t know how to deal with that yet.” His words were hesitant, halting, and he could feel his own skin prickle with unease. At the mention, Miyagi’s ears sank even further, and Louis gave a sharp, involuntary wince.

His words stumbled on, faltering as the complexity of the situation pressed down. “I… I’ve wondered so many times who my father might be when I was younger,” Legosi continued, voice quiet but steadying. “As I got older, I thought less and less about it, and I thought I’d made my peace with never knowing. But now… now I don’t know what I should feel. I know who you are, Miyagi… I know things about you, but we haven’t really known each other. Not really. And everything’s… changed.”

Legosi’s tail flicked restlessly across the couch, the fur on his shoulders rising and falling with the tension of his chest. His eyes softened as he met Miyagi’s downcast gaze, feeling a strange, piercing connection to the older wolf despite months of distance. “I want… I want to get to know you. I want to know you as a father. But I also… I want to stay with Louis. Just… stay. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s hard.” His voice wavered at the final words, raw with a mixture of fear, hope, and determination. His ears trembled as he said it, but once the words were out, he didn’t regret them. The silence afterward was raw, but it felt truer than Miyagi’s panicked retreat had.

Louis leaned back in the armchair, considering Legosi’s confession carefully. He rubbed at his face with a long, deliberate gesture, bemoaning the chaotic mess the day had become in a low, almost weary hum. He glanced toward the grandfather clock in the corner, noting the creeping hour, but his focus remained entirely on the younger wolf. There was a long pause, weighted and heavy with thought, before he finally spoke, his voice quiet but clear.

“I… love you, Legosi,” he said softly, and Legosi felt his tail lift involuntarily, a flicker of warmth brightening the gloom in his chest. Relief, cautious and tentative, stirred in him, but Louis wasn’t done. “But I also love Miyagi,” he continued, a careful tension threading the words. “I’m not going to make any decisions about how our relationship develops until we’ve all had a chance to let this settle. There’s too much at stake to rush. We need to breathe, to think, and to give ourselves time.”

Louis leaned forward in his chair, voice sharpened with the kind of clarity that only came when his temper was under tight rein. “But Miyagi, you were wrong about one thing. I was never going to pick between you. I refuse. But now you made me feel disposable, and you made Legosi feel abandoned.”

Legosi exhaled slowly, letting his shoulders relax fractionally, the tension in his paws easing slightly as he processed Louis’s words. He settled back a little, tail curling lazily now instead of tensely, and met Louis’s gaze with quiet certainty.

Louis exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing fractionally. “I probably could have handled this better too,” he admitted quietly, almost as if he were confessing to himself. “I noticed something was off with you lately, but I chose to ignore it. Too much work… too many distractions.” His voice wavered ever so slightly at the end, a subtle shift Legosi couldn’t quite place.

Legosi’s chest lightened slightly at Louis’s words, a small measure of relief threading through the still-tangled emotions. “I… I still need to talk to grandpa about everything too,” Legosi murmured, aware of the awkward weight in his own voice. It was difficult to bring up again, but the matter had to be faced sooner or later.

Miyagi, surprising Legosi with a tentative smile, shifted his gaze between the two younger men. There was a flicker of hope in his eyes as he mustered the courage to speak. Legosi could see the vulnerability there, a stark contrast to the usual confident demeanor Miyagi carried. He felt a strange mixture of compassion and uncertainty, unsure how to navigate the shifting dynamics.

Legosi hesitated, his ears flicking nervously. The memory of that one night they’d all spent together still hung uncomfortably in his mind, and until he had processed it, he needed a sense of personal space. He swallowed and finally admitted, “Until I figure out what I want… I’d like to sleep in my own room for now.”

Louis nodded immediately, understanding the boundaries without question. Miyagi sagged back into the couch, tension draining from his body. “I’ll stay over for the night,” he said softly, the exhaustion and tension from earlier still present in his posture. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Louis rose from his armchair and crossed to Legosi, brushing a gentle hand across the younger wolf’s back. He leaned down, planting a chaste kiss on Legosi’s muzzle. Legosi’s tail twitched happily, the simple gesture sending a ripple of reassurance through him. The gesture only deepened as Louis wrapped him in a warm, reassuring hug, whispering, “Take all the time you need. We’re not on a schedule after all; we’ll figure this out together. I think we should all retire for the night, it’s late.”

On their way out of the salon, Louis offered the same kiss to Miyagi. The older wolf perked up, a spark of warmth in his tired eyes, though the weariness of the evening still lingered heavily around him.

As Louis left the room, Legosi sagged onto the couch, the adrenaline and emotional strain of the evening catching up with him. Exhaustion reasserted itself in full force, the kind that seeped deep into bone and muscle. It took a disproportionate amount of effort to rise and lumber off to his room.

This had been anything but a happy, relaxing holiday.