Chapter Text
Further into the night, the room’s atmosphere didn’t get any better. The sheer level of awkward interactions and fake laughter being generated by the party’s hostess only made the club members in attendance visibly wince. It got to the point that animals like Bill, Pina, and even Tao would keep asking for refills of wine just to get through the incessant ramblings Azuki would go on that were not only uninteresting, but blatantly wrong according to Louis.
“And that’s why we’re saving up for Christmas this year!” Azuki clammored, still sporting a painfully fake smile. She positioned herself right on Louis’ lap, holding a wine glass in her right hand and with her left hand wrapped around Louis’ shoulder. It was clear that Louis didn’t appreciate the overbearing affection he was receiving.
Legoshi peered at Louis, with him peering back. His deep frown and annoyed glare spoke volumes to the wolf. This was all just an act Azuki was putting on and that it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Jack only took a few sips from his wine glass, clearly not interested in Azuki’s disjointed stories. Right now the only thing on the lab’s mind was what this deer had to gain by pulling a fake act like this? He knew all too well how to fake your emotions, after all. At Cherryton, he would often put on a fake smile before starting the day, pretending like everything was going fine in his perfect life, when on the inside, he felt a seething sickness that wouldn’t go away. The special classes in Cherryton and Legoshi leaving him didn’t do anything to help his then ailing heart.
The lab was thankful when Legoshi returned to Cherryton and helped pull him out of the sinkhole he was in. If Legoshi wasn’t there, Jack would most likely not be here sitting at this very lackluster ‘party,’ if that was the right word to describe whatever this was.
Jack visibly groaned at Azuki positioned on Louis’ lap, plainly showing off. He didn’t see genuine affection in her shark-like eyes. No, all he saw was the glowing disdain for not just Louis, but for another animal she was peering towards. The observant canine followed the deer’s gaze leading to the living chair across from her. In the living chair was Juno, shaken up by the soul piercing sneer from Azuki, looking as menacing as ever. It was as if Juno had fallen right into her trap and had no way of getting out.
Jack was very concerned. Him and Juno spoke pretty frequently. She even helped him pick out a new bathing suit for his honeymoon with Legoshi which they had already booked a year in advance. He really could confide in her for anything and everything. But he wondered if there was something that even she wouldn’t tell him.
Witnessing Azuki sneering towards Juno made Jack’s blood boil. He knew she was attempting to intimidate Juno and he wouldn’t stand for it. No one messes with his friends and gets away with it. Legoshi noticed Jack’s agitation, placing his paw on the back of his neck gently rubbing it trying his best to calm down his very angry fiance.
Legoshi understood how close friends Juno and Jack were, but he didn’t want things to kick off with Jack screaming at their host. The wolf wanted to make sure the damage would be as minimal as possible, even though he knew his efforts may be wasted.
Azuki continued her lackluster story. “Lesson learned here, everyone! No matter how wealthy you are, you should always make sure to check the price tag before making a purchase!”
Louis grew tired of his wife’s rambling. They were wealthy, there’s no doubt about that. But he hates when his wife starts boasting over it. She’d do it with her friends all the time, but it felt like she was being a little ‘too’ extra tonight with his friends.
“Darling” the deer interjected, placing his hand on her back. He adjusted his legs, clearly uncomfortable with how his wife is positioned on his lap. “Our guests are getting pretty bored. How about we talk about Jack and Legoshi’s wedding plans? It really means a lot to-”
“Why, yes of course!” Azuki cut her husband off. “We must simply know where you’re having the wedding! You two must feel so excited!” The sporadic enthusiasm took both the lab and the wolf aback. This was so out of character for Azuki and each one of the guests in attendance knew it.
She was most likely not interested in the canines’ wedding plans, but for the sake of her act, she played along and at least made an attempt to listen.
“Well…” Legoshi began. “We really want a beach wedding” The wolf grasped Jack’s paw. The little canine was still very agitated with Azuki’s behavior. “But of course we need to find some clothes that are best fit for that type of setting. You know how a canine’s fur can get in the humidity.”
Azuki clapped her hands together. “Oh, that just sounds so lovely!” She motioned for Louis to hand her the half empty wine bottle laying on the end table. “If you and your other half are in need of a tailor, I know just the animal!” Louis filled her wine bottle, sighing in disgust. Legoshi took notice of this, forcing a smile that looked arguably faker than Azuki’s.
She was treating her own husband like a servant. If anything could be considered “true love” it wasn’t this.
“He tailored Louis’ outfit. He just looked so charming in it! Didn’t you, darling?” Louis motioned away from his wife caressing his cheek. “You didn’t even show the suit to me until ‘after’ you purchased it. Remember?” the deer groaned.
Azuki was clearly offended by her husband’s remark, nearly spilling her wine in response. “Oh, you’re such a tease tonight, you know that, darling?”
The female deer’s attention turned to the guests.
“What my husband is trying to say is that he’s saddened we never got a… ‘proper’ wedding due to the arrangements between our parents. We only just met four months before the ceremony, after all.”
For a brief moment, it appeared that the club’s hostess had broken character. That she had a brief moment of morality, then in the blink of an eye, that moment was extinguished.
Azuki re-equipped her false smile, seemingly forcing her hidden anguish back into her mind.
“But, of course that was several years ago!” She continued. “Me and Louis learned to love each other despite the situation we were both in, right darling?”
Louis was silent, glazing towards Juno, who he gazed at for the fifth time tonight. It almost appeared like he was desperately pleading to her for help.
Pina leaned forward with a smile sprouting across his white, wooly face. He knew exactly what was about to happen here, and he was all for it. He didn’t want to come, and would much rather be talking to Riz while he was in therapy, but the bear insisted that he attend tonight.
“Maybe you’ll have some fun tonight” his voice boomed in Pina’s mind.
Well, he was right about one thing: this would be a fun night indeed. All the sheep needed was more wine…
Azuki snapped her head towards Juno, locking eyes with Louis. Soon, all three were caught up in an intense standoff that shook the entire room. And to think the evening started out with discussions over Jack and Legoshi’s wedding plans.
“Juno, dear you haven’t had anything to drink tonight…” Azuki pointed out. Juno fiddled with her fingers, trying desperately to keep her eyes on Louis. “Is something wrong? Louis told me how much you really liked this type of wine.”
“I…” she stuttered. “I wanted to stay sober tonight. I wanted to come to see my friends…”
“Ha!” Azuki dismissed. “Juno, we ‘are’ in the presence of friends! I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you had just a little bit to drink tonight!”
Standing off of her husband’s lap, Azuki makes her way towards the coffee table in the center of the foyer, grabbing another half-empty bottle and a glass that sat beside it.
Blocking her path to Juno was Bill’s legs propped up on the edge of the table. He didn’t seem intoxicated, but at his third glass, he sure was reaching that point. Els leaned into Bill, catching the threatening gaze Azuki was now aiming at him. Before Els could comment, the doe swat the tiger’s legs off the table in one swift motion.
“Argh! You can’t just prop your feet up wherever you please! This isn’t a scratching post, for Rex’s sake!”
Completely caught off guard, Bill locked eyes with Azuki, who was clearly trying to keep herself from verbally berating the tiger. Sure, he shouldn’t have kicked his feet up on such a nice piece of furniture, but did it really warrant such an aggressive action from Azuki? Who was now fuming.
Azuki froze up, catching herself before she made another scene. She chuckled at the tiger. “I’m sorry, but we just got this table! So, I’m slightly on edge tonight, haha!” She was clearly downplaying her outburst, not wanting to give away her true intentions too early.
Els moved closer to Bill, her grip on his arm tightening as if she were to crush it. The immense pressure coming from his lover’s grasp only meant one thing to the tiger: she was pissed at the way she was talking to him and needed a way to ‘calmly’ release her frustration.
Back on track, Azuki’s glare narrowed back towards her primary target.
“Here” Azuki took the glass in her left hand, pouring what was left in the wine bottle into it.
She quickly slammed the bottle onto the glass end table next to Juno, the impact being loud enough to shake the room. It was almost like she forgot what she said seconds ago to Bill, but her visible excitement seems to have made her forget.
“Oh, I’m sorry! Did I scare you, dear?” Juno’s heart was racing. How could an herbivore appear so threatening?
Louis didn’t like how his wife was behaving towards Juno one bit. He started to put the pieces together. He began to understand exactly what this was about.
How could she have known about the affair? Both him and Juno have done absolutely everything they could to hide it. The only way she could have known was through someone outside of their friend group. Maybe one of her friends knew somehow?
Or maybe… just maybe… Azuki was more resourceful than what Louis had thought.
Juno’s mind raced just as fast. Filled with several ‘what if’ scenarios,
‘Jack and Sheila are the only ones I talk to’ she thought. ‘Even if they knew, they never would have told anyone else.’ She paused, peering at the wine glass presented to her.
‘Why is she so set on making me drink?’
After pondering to herself, Juno’s heart fell to her stomach. ‘Oh no’ she panicked. ‘Does she know? She can’t! I-’
Azuki grabbed Juno’s paw, placing the wine glass in it. “We’re celebrating Jack and Legoshi tonight! We wouldn’t want to have Jack’s best friend feeling left out, now would we?”
If Jack didn’t feel a hint of anger before, now he surely did. He could see it in Juno’s eyes. She was uncomfortable with Azuki’s attempts to pressure her.
Being in law school, you’re taught to read people. And all the lab could get from Azuki’s temperament was nothing but resentment and manipulation. For the past six months, Jack had the suspicion that there was something Juno wasn’t telling him.
Even though he didn’t want to believe it, he picked up the subtle cues from her. The way she’d always avoid talking about Louis when they were out having coffee. The way she’d sneak to look at her phone. Even the times she had to suddenly cancel their evening meet-ups were a cause for suspicion.
Deep down, Jack knew that Juno was seeing Louis. But ultimately, it didn’t change what he thought about her. She was his friend and was just as happy for him as his own parents were when he broke the news of his engagement.
It was clear to Jack now that Azuki was well aware of the affair and wanted to put on a show to catch Juno off guard and pin her to where she could easily humiliate her. It made Jack sick to his stomach thinking he and Legoshis’ engagement was being used as a set piece to pin Juno to where Azuki wanted her.
Already the small labrador’s anger boiled over and there was no point of holding it in anymore.
“She doesn’t ‘have’ to do anything if she doesn’t want to, y’know”
The monotone growling emulating from Jack’s voice came as another unexpected surprise for the guests. It even took Legoshi aback, and he’s seen Jack at his angriest before. He didn’t even know his boyfriend could get this angry and he’s known him for almost all of his life.
Azuki, though surprised by the harmless canine’s aggressive reaction, continued to desperately keep up her act.
“Oh, little one…” she spoke down to him. “I-” she stuttered, trying to hopelessly find an explanation. “I just want to make sure nobody here is feeling left out! We’re all friends here!”
Jack groaned. He was going to have none of this tonight. If he and Legoshi get kicked out over this, then so be it.
“Are you seriously that blind, ma’am?” He tried to remain as polite as he could, despite the internal alarms going haywire within him. “She looks extremely uncomfortable and she’s trying to avoid looking at you every chance she gets.”
Jack wasn’t finished there. “And to be frank,” the lab added. “I find it disgusting that you’re using ‘our’ wedding plans” the canine grabs Legoshi’s arm; “to guilt trip her into doing something she obviously doesn’t want to do.”
If Azuki genuinely wasn’t angry up until this point, she sure was now. Stepping away from Juno, her sights now set on Jack, she placed the glass back onto the table, nearly spilling it as the clattering could be heard.
“Know your place, dog” the doe hissed. “That’s the problem with canines like you. You only do what you’re designed to do. Snoop into other animals’ private lives and that ‘really’ gets on my nerves…”
Before Jack could reply to Azuki’s insult, her attention shifted to Legoshi, whose arm was wrapped around Jack, as if he was trying to shield him from more verbal attacks.
“I’d advise you to tell your unruly pet to sit down. Before I make him…”
If there was anything that would set Legoshi off tonight, it would be just that. All night the wolf tried his best to remain polite to their hostess, regardless of how he may have felt towards her. But, when another animal demeans Jack in the way Azuki had, you better expect Legoshi to lose his cool.
“What the fuck did you just say to him you stupid-!” The wolf snarled, almost lunging towards the doe with nothing but animosity and hatred flaming in his eyes.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Bill and Tao leap out of their seats and grab onto Legoshi, hopelessly trying to keep Legoshi from doing something he would regret. Bill, having drank nearly an entire bottle’s worth of wine tonight felt very weak while attempting to restrain the unhinged wolf. Tao, having stayed sober tonight, did most of the heavy lifting. He grabbed a hold of Legoshi’s chest, heaving at the colossal weight that dragged him towards the doe, who discarded her “friendly hostess” smile for a more sinister one.
Azuki dusted off her dress, having narrowly avoided Legoshi’s fit of rage. “Amazing” she gawked. “It’s really something, isn’t it? The things someone will do for the animal they love.”
She shifted to Louis, who was still sitting motionless in the armchair.
“Am I right, darling?”
His brow was now soaking in sweat. The poor deer seemed like he could fall unconscious at any given moment, and all Azuki could do was smile at him.
Soon, Louis regained his composure enough to respond to his wife’s question.
“Sure… whatever…” he knew what kind of game she wanted to play. He refused to give her the pleasure of hearing the response she wanted to hear. He wanted to see her squirm instead of it being the other way around
His emotionless answer did just that. Azuki lunged towards Louis, pinning him to the chair aggressively, teeth gritted, her true self flying out.
“Gah!” The doe wailed. “You think this is a game, don’t you!” she snarled. The guttural tone of voice Azuki used was enough to make even the fiercest carnivores feel some semblance of fear. But to Louis, it only made him chuckle.
“That’s funny” he continued, wiping her saliva off his face. “Coming from the woman who orchestrated this entire event just to belittle me and insult me in front of my friends.”
“Oh, please-”
“No” Louis cut her off. “You’ve said enough. I want to talk now.”
The bulging vein on Azuki’s forehead was clearly visible, throbbing up and down, all she could do was listen to her husband’s rhetoric.
“All you’ve done tonight was mock my friends. You’ve made them feel like a smudge on our marble floors and you’re absolutely content with that. You’ve treated me like nothing but shit for the past two years and I’m done! You hear me? Done!”
The deer’s gaze narrowed towards his wife, matching the livid frown that sprouted along her snout. “I’m not letting you have this. I ‘won’t’”
As quick as a flash, Azuki slapped her husband across the face, livid with the response she received.
“I know about you and that bitch wolf!” she wailed. “You slept with her in our own bed, for Rex’s sake! So don’t you tell me about ‘being done!’”
Louis’ face fell flat, clutching his stinging jaw with his right hand. He had the feeling his affair with Juno was what this was all about. As Azuki became more and more aggressive as the night went on, he braced himself for the reveal. But hearing it now in the moment instead of imagining it hit him harder than he had imagined.
“Azuki…” Louis said in a commanding tone. “Can we please just send my friends ho-”
“No!” Azuki screeched. “They have to see the real you, Louis! You spineless, cheating, scum of a beast!”
Her thin finger pointed towards Juno, now with Sheila next to her, attempting to give her support. “You don’t get to sit out of this.” The fuming doe took two steps towards her.
“Come here” she barked.
“I don’t think she has to do anything you say” Sheila snarled. “Thank you for the… ‘lovely’ evening. But I think now we’re going to be on our way” Sheila gently grabbed Juno’s arm so they could make their way out of the penthouse.
“Oh, we’re far from done yet!” Azuki shouted. “Tell them what else you have to hide, you whore! Do it, or I will!”
Juno’s heart sank. She knew exactly what she was talking about. But how could she have known? There could have been no way. She nearly felt like crying. How could she have let this happen?
Off to the side, all Jack could do was watch helplessly as his fiancee grew more and more aggressive towards the woman who insulted him all while he was being restrained, he couldn’t help but feel guilty that he was the one who incited the absolute chaos that was unfolding before his eyes. It was his comment after all that made her agitated.
But was it? No, it couldn’t have been. Azuki was demeaning his friend after all. He was in the right to have stood up for Juno. He could tell Azuki had this planned from the beginning.
But what did Azuki mean by Juno having something else to hide? Jack’s instincts kicked into gear, trying to analyze the chaotic situation.
Jack knew it was never like Juno to decline a drink, especially during a… ‘nice’ event like this. It just wasn’t like her. At any other party, she would have had at least two drinks by now.
Was she on edge over the affair? Even if she was, Jack knew she would have had at least one sip to try and calm her nerves. Juno only ever told him once that if she declined alcohol, it would be for a very personal reason.
The only ‘personal reason’ Jack could think of is… oh, no… was she-
“Last chance!” Azuki broke the silence.
Then it hit him. Jack knew exactly why Juno was refusing drinks. He should have recognized the signs, but they flew completely over his head.
“That’s enough!” Jack wailed at the doe. “She doesn’t need to take this from you anymore! Just leave her alone!”
The lab’s sudden spout of anger was enough to make Legoshi dial back his own. Jack was always taught to keep his composure. And it was expected of him simply because he’s a canine. But he couldn’t be that way now. Not when his friend was under fire from this terrible excuse of an animal.
Azuki shot another unpleasant glare at Jack. ‘Clearly this dog hasn’t learned his lesson…’ she muttered under her breath.
She wasn’t going to let this canine get in her way. She had her answer, Juno remaining dead silent, realizing her entire world was about to shatter around her. And all she could do was sit by and watch it happen.
Azuki pointed her finger back at Juno, this time her being set on Louis. As if she was prepared to accuse him of something malicious.
“You’ve gotten this bitch pregnant, haven’t you!” Azuki hissed.
The room went silent as Legoshi returned to Jack’s side.
Pregnant? Juno? This time, Louis felt genuinely confused. He participated in the affair, of course, but he didn’t know about a pregnancy. It made perfect sense to him now. How she stopped seeing him for the past three weeks, how she refused to meet him at bars specifically, and tonight when she refused to drink.
But why would she come tonight at all? Did she really want to see the rest of the club? And most importantly: how did Azuki find out about the pregnancy?
Louis stammered. “I- I have no-”
Before Louis could say another word, Tao, Kibi, Els and Bill made their way towards the elevator, clearly fed up with their hostess’ behavior.
Making his way to the elevator holding Tao’s hand, Kibi mumbled angrily to himself, but made it loud enough for the other guests to hear.
“The way you’re behaving is absolutely sickening, ma’am!” he reprimanded. “We’re invited here expecting a nice reunion between friends and you’ve done nothing but berate and insult everyone here! What are we? Some pawns to be used in your sick game!”
The anteater pointed an accusatory finger towards Azuki, who was anything but appreciative towards his comments.
“You’re lucky that you didn’t say what you said about Jack to Tao! I may be small, but I would have knocked the hell out of you!” Tao felt absolutely mortified over his husband’s statement. All that was on his mind was getting out of this living hell.
Tao turned to Legoshi and Jack, who were seated on the couch next to Sheila and Juno, who looked like she could break down at any moment.
“You guys don’t have to sit here and take this! Come with us!” Kibi added.
Juno shook her head, almost teary eyed. As much as she wanted to run away, she had to stay and get this whole thing resolved.
Kibi, having received her message, didn’t push her to leave any further. His attention shifted to the wolf and the lab. “I’ll send you two the place we should meet. Once you’re done here, don’t hesitate to see us. Anywhere is better than here,” Kibi finished in a bitter voice.
Kibi and Tao disappeared into the elevator, waiting for Bill and Els to follow them. Just before they too entered the elevator, Els had one last thing to say to the remainder of the guests before parting.
“I wish I could stay longer, but Tao and Kibi are our ride, and…” she faced Bill, who still looked very dizzy from the alcohol. “Well… he had a little too much…” not knowing what else to say, she picked up her back and grabbed Bill’s giant paw , leading him inside the elevator.
“But just so you know, Legoshi and Jack don't need any recommendations from you. ‘I’ can make their suits.” She said, referring to their earlier topic of discussion. “We don’t need them catching whatever you have.”
Azuki scoffed as the elevator doors slid shut, liberating the four animals from the hell that had just occurred.
A one minute silence followed with Louis almost forgetting what he was going to say about the bombshell that was dropped by his wife.
That minute was interrupted by Pina, who stood up without another word and raced to the elevator as well. He’s been so quiet all night that the group had forgotten he was there.
“Where do you think you’re going!” Azuki exclaimed in distress.
“I need to head out too,” Pina replied. “Riz is expecting me tomorrow morning and I can’t keep him waiting!”
“But you can’t leave!” the doe continued. “W- we haven’t gotten to the worst of it yet!” she was stuttering, trying her best to keep Pina from leaving. She knew very well that she was in no place to hold anyone else here other than Louis and Juno.
“No, there isn’t” Pina too had enough of Azuki’s disgusting behavior, but remained more modest about his feelings over it.
Like the others, Pina had some parting words for their hostess.
“Thank you for the lovely night, ma’am. It was… quite the experience”
Turning to Juno and Louis, individually, he offered some words to them as well.
“Congratulations! That child of yours will have some loving parents, I’m sure.” This simple statement from Pina made it clear to everyone whose side he was on.
In the elevator, Pina had some words for Jack and Legoshi too.
“You boys should just get out of here and enjoy the rest of your night. Don’t waste your time dealing with this harridan.”
The elevator dinged, sending Pina to his freedom.
Legoshi was still huffing, remembering the terrible words Azuki had to say about Jack. He’d want nothing more than to take Jack and leave this Rex forsaken place, but his loyalty to Louis kept him there. And Jack’s loyalty to Juno had the same effect.
Azuki scanned the room. Wine bottles littered the coffee table. Some shards of glass were on the ground from Legoshi’s outburst, staining the carpet. Forgetting Junos’ pregnancy, she rushed to the wine-stained carpet, clamoring over the mess.
“Look what you’ve done, you brute!” Legoshi didn’t want to hear another word from this woman.
“This rug cost me six-hundred thousand yen! I bet you’re too broke to pay for it, aren’t you!”
“Enough!” Louis screamed, silencing his wife’s next tangent.
“No more playing around, Azuki…” Louis meant business now. “It’s time to answer some of ‘my’ questions now.”
“I don’t think so!” Azuki replied, standing up from the carpet. “You’re in no position to question me!”
Azuki winded her hand, preparing to slap her husband again. Louis calmly grabs her hand, lowering it away from his face. Even though his expression had anger written all over it, he still tried his best to keep his composure, although he had every right not to.
“I’m going to ask you again…” he lowered his voice in an attempt to reason with her. “How did you know Juno was pregnant? Even ‘I’ didn’t know…”
Azuki scanned the room again, seeing the damage she had caused. Jack and Sheila surrounded Juno, who had a small tear flow down her cheek. Azuki had every right to be upset, just as much as Louis did. But now that she regained her clarity, she began to realize if all of this was worth it. In the end, what exactly would this accomplish? What was her endgame?
Was all of this agony necessary when she could have simply filed for divorce. It was easier said than done, considering the type of marriage her and Louis were in. She felt betrayed, but was she any better? She did berate Louis in front of his friends, after all. Including in front of his best friend and his fiance, nonetheless.
Azuki was still very agitated, but that brief moment of clarity made her calm down enough to explain herself.
“I…” she paused. “I had my suspicions as early as four weeks ago when Yuta accidentally slipped it. Beforehand, I noticed an odd smelling perfume I never used on the bed sheets. It smelled like a canine-based perfume.”
Louis began to understand. “So, that’s why you sent Yuta home despite my protests.”
Azuki angrily nodded, pacing around the room trying to find a way to explain the next part.
“Under the impression you were being unfaithful, last week, I decided to meet Juno at the cafe downtown to invite her to attend tonight personally.” Azuki continued, peering at Juno as if she was still trying to find a way to intimidate her. “She had guilt written all over her face…”
Azuki took a deep breath. “During our talk, she was sweating. On two separate occasions, she excused herself, only raising my suspicions further. After she accepted my invitation and left, I- I went to the restrooms and found a discarded positive pregnancy test…”
Azuki folded her arms and gritted her teeth. “I felt so betrayed and so hurt by you, Louis…” she lowered her voice. “I mean… I knew with the circumstances, we could never truly love each other… but all you had to do was say it to my face and not live a lie…”
Azuki spotted Jack and Legoshi standing to the side comforting Juno. “I look at your friends and see nothing but love in their hearts. And I think to myself: ‘why can’t we have that?’ W-why can’t ‘I’ have that?”
Louis could hear his wife’s voice break. He couldn’t help but feel horrible for himself. He knew he couldn’t find true happiness with her. This was what their parents wanted for them. His father’s dying wish was for Louis to take control of the Conglomerate and marry into a pure-blooded family. But it wasn’t just an ordinary marriage based around the concept of love for another animal. It was a political marriage for business reasons.
For the first few months of their marriage following the destruction of the Back Alley Market, they felt nothing. No sense of love, only business. There was little to no intimacy in the relationship, only at times where it felt obligated. Eventually, it got to the point in their relationship where they resented each other.
Louis couldn’t be himself and be with the woman he truly loved. It drove him to the point where he couldn’t stand being around her. He wanted to see Juno every chance he could and refused to let anything stop him.
Was it really selfish to be with the one you love?
Before Louis could reply to his distressed wife, the elevator door rang open. In it was the penthouse secretary, Aoki. Legoshi and Jack instantly recognized her. She was the same secretary that let them up when they arrived earlier that night.
The red fox was no longer wearing her uniform and was wearing a black jean jacket and black pants. She was holding two suitcases and had her eyes on Azuki and her only.
Azuki didn’t look too surprised. It was almost as if she was expecting her.
“I heard the commotion from upstairs. I wanted to make sure you were alright.” The fox was concerned, refusing to look away from Azuki.
“I-” Azuki fumbled. “Everything’s alright…” Gazing back at Louis, then back to Aoki, Azuki pranced towards her, giving her a warm embrace. She gave the female fox a longing gaze right before placing a tender kiss on her lips.
This took everyone aback. But Louis started to understand something about his wife. She showed no interest in him after the marriage was finalized because she ‘had’ no interest.
Right now, Louis had every right to lash out at her the same way she did to him. But he didn’t. In fact, he pitied her more than he was angry with her. A whole lot of anger between the two boiled over tonight, but as the dust settled, things became more clearer now than ever before.
Breaking off the kiss, Azuki spotted Louis with a blank stare. He didn’t know what else to say. Despite this, Azuki felt like she owed Louis an explanation.
“We… We started seeing each other for about four months now. I didn’t realize until after I confided in her when you weren’t around that we had the same feelings for each other…”
Azuki huffed. “I had to hide this… ‘thing’ about me from my parents for their entire lives,” Azuki explained. “When they passed away last year, I felt so liberated. Like I was free from their bondage. T-that I could finally be myself”
“But…” Azuki hesitated. “I was still afraid of what the public would think. We had to keep this up for the sake of our companies and our money. But as time went by, we felt nothing but resentment for one another. So much hatred… all because we tried holding onto something that just wouldn’t work anymore.”
Azuki said something that was on Louis’ mind for the entirety of their marriage. They both held secrets from each other for the ones they loved dearest.
Maybe it’s best if they split up? The political fallout would be brutal, but is love what matters? Their parents are gone. Why should they hang onto something that’s already dead?
Louis was exhausted and didn’t have time to argue more about this tonight.
“You’re right…” was all the deer could say.
Another long silence followed. No words needed to be exchanged between the two. The damage was already done and now the two were ready to move on with their lives.
“Alright…” Azuki replied, holding hands with Aoki. “We’ll… we’ll talk more about this in the next few weeks. Try to salvage what we can and decide what we should say to the public…”
The couple made their way to the elevator, which was likely worn out making several trips up and down the shaft. Before parting ways, Azuki examines the penthouse for the final time, spotting the five animals that waited for her to say something.
Deep down, Azuki knew she did all this to Louis just to desperately keep up their marriage facade. But in reality, it was her who needed to let go. Now, she doesn't care about politics and business. All she wanted was to be with the one she loved. And seeing Louis come to Juno’s side proves that’s what he wanted too.
“There’s nothing I can say to reverse the damage that I’ve caused tonight…” Azuki glanced at Jack and Legoshi. “...to take back the things I’ve said… But all I can say now is ‘I’m sorry.’”
Instantly after she finished her speech, the elevator closed with the two lovers inside. This would be the last time Louis and Azuki lived in this home as husband and wife.
The calm after the storm is always something that is to be cherished. The animals afflicted should feel relief. Sure, the five felt relief to have been the last ones standing in all of this, but there remained a lot of uncertainty regarding the political fallout as a result.
But honestly, Louis didn’t care about that. Without warning, he embraced Juno, almost suffocating her. It felt like the first time he could do that openly without facing judgment. Following the drawn-out embrace, he planted a gentle kiss on her lips, refusing to let go of her.
Louis broke away, giving her the widest grin she’s ever seen from him.
“Pregnant?” he whimpered.
Juno’s tears faded away, a smile edging out from the corner of her snout. “I’m… I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you. I was so scared.”
Louis pulled her back into his embrace. He had to think of more than him and Juno now. And he refused to let the public tell him who he could and couldn’t be with.
“Wha- what is it? A boy or a girl?”
“Slow down there,” Juno murmured. “It’s only been three weeks.”
Juno buried her face deeper into Louis’ shoulder, feeling the warmth of his breath. Louis nested his head onto her’s, not willing to part from the wolf.
He loved Juno. And only her. He wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of that.
Legoshi and Jack warmed up to each other, smiling at the beautiful sight. Sheila stood not too far from them, feeling immense joy for her friends.
The night was over, but now reality sets in.
“Louis…” Juno muttered. “What’s going to happen now? The Conglomerate. Azuki… our child?”
Louis shushed her, cradling her face in his hands. “We’ll worry about that later… I think we’re all pretty tired after everything that just happened.”
Louis’ attention turned to Jack, Legoshi, and Sheila. “I’m sorry you had to see that. It’s not what I had wanted for tonight… but-”
“It’s fine, Louis,” Legoshi interrupted. “I think we all need to settle down after that.” His ear twitched, remembering what Kibi said earlier about sending them a place to meet up. He pulled out his phone from his front pocket, finding a location to a nearby restaurant in his contacts.
“Kibi and the others are at that new fish grillhouse up the street,” Legoshi said. “Do you want to go there to cool off?”
“That sounds fine…” Louis replied. The deer began to clean up a wine bottle that was knocked on the floor during the chaos. “Umm… maybe you three could give us a moment to get ready? Maybe some time to talk? We’ll be down in a bit.”
Legoshi nodded. “Absolutely. Take all the time you need.”
Before leaving through the elevator, Jack and Sheila gave Juno a hug. Jack’s tail couldn’t stop wagging. He felt so happy for Juno and her baby and couldn’t contain his excitement. He thought at least something good could come from all of this bad.
After their final gestures towards each other, Jack and Legoshi led Sheila to the elevator, taking them out of the Penthouse and to the lobby for the final time.
-
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-
Once the elevator hit the ground level, Sheila bid the group farewell, wanting to catch up to the others.
Legoshi waved goodbye to the cheetah, who disappeared down the sprawling city street. Horns sounded, lights flickered. It was beautiful in a sense. The wolf noticed Jack’s fur gleaming with the lights bouncing off of it.
It was beautiful and Legoshi couldn’t get enough of it.
“What a night, huh?” Legoshi heaved. “Like, I knew tonight would be hectic, but wow… heh, we should have stayed home after all, right?”
Jack was uncharacteristically silent. Tonight must have shook him up more than he was letting on.
“Um, are you alright, pup?” Legoshi questioned.
Jack peered up, eying the handsome wolf he held close. He wasn’t upset, no. Maybe shaken up. But there was one thing that was ailing his mind.
“Legoshi…” Jack murmured. “What happened back there… What if that happens to us? I- I couldn’t imagine us separating. I ‘don’t’ want to imagine that.” The lab put emphasis on the final part.
Legoshi could sense the dread in Jack’s quivering tone. Instinctively, he wrapped the canine in a loving embrace, attempting to calm his nerves.
“Jack, hon…” Legoshi explained. “That would never happen. Azuki and Louis were different from us.”
Legoshi paused, trying to find a way to explain it to Jack. “They were both lost. They weren’t really ‘in love.’ They just simply had their sights on other animals.”
Legoshi lifted the little lab’s chin up towards him. “I know how you feel about me. I know my feelings about you are more than real…”
Without another word, Legoshi planted his snout into Jack’s for a passionate kiss, his insecurities fading along with it.
He was right. What they had between each other was more than real. It was love. Genuine and passionate love. It didn’t matter if they received an unpleasant comment or if they were told they were disgusting. If tonight taught them anything, it’s that what truly mattered was their mutual feelings towards each other.
Breaking off the kiss, Jack smiled, having his breath taken away by the gratifying kiss from the man he loved. “Well… I’m glad you feel the same way…”
Nearly toppling over, Legoshi leaned in to catch him. “Hey! I didn’t know I could kiss that well!”
Jack chuckled, gabbing onto the wolf. “You always did, silly!”
The tender moment between the two was interrupted by Louis and Juno appearing out from behind. Juno and Louis were now changed into something more presentable and casual.
“Were we interrupting anything?” Juno teased, holding hands with Louis.
Jack grinned, nuzzling Legoshi’s chin. “Nope! Not at all! Let’s go! We can’t keep the others waiting!”
Laughing together, the four made their way down the streets, holding hands with the ones they held close, forgetting about the chaos earlier that night.
The city lights gleamed around them, all four unashamed and filled with pride . They were ready to face the world, no matter what it throws at them.