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Skill is something learned, through trial and error it can be honed to a deadly precision. It is something holy, an unnatural...unlike instincts; the drive, the need to prey, to be preyed upon.
His finger rubs the rim of his glass, gathering moisture on his fur. He flicks the finger to rid some of it before he takes hold. Tipping the dark oaken liquid just enough to wet his parched throat. Yet it does not provide relief. Quite the opposite. He can feel a fire stoked deep in his stomach, the fumes of which reach just the edge of his neck. The glass is set perfectly within the wet ring it has sweated into the table.
“Hmm, I should get some coasters.” A red furred hand curls under his chin as his eyes search out their next move. “I don’t think Free would mind if I took a couple from the Shishigumi.” Pupils expand rapidly when he finds the right move to make, if he were fueled by lesser instincts he might even salivate.
Marbled black, heavy when moved. He feels the rings radiating outward as he slides the piece delicately with his finger. “I think that should do it.” Giving a slight tilt of the head, as he passes his turn. Idly scratching an itch at the base of one of his antlers; after having shed the responsibility of continuing their game.
“You didn’t try to take my piece, Louis.” Said the soft voice connected to sharp features and an angular snout pointed towards the board. The wolfs large back facing the window. His white tank top swimming with the oranges and reds of a waning sun. An intimidating clawed thumb brushes the hairs on his muzzle nervously.
“Legosi, have you not learned a thing from our matches.” The red deer shook his head, careful of the large antlers. They seemed to grow more complex after each shed. Taking sharper turns and becoming more daunting…much like his fathers’, louis supposed. Curling his hands under his chin he leaned on his elbows. The checkers board was in the early stages of growing into a chaotic field of battle. “You need to think, dumb wolf. Not one step ahead, but twenty. Lay the groundwork.” Louis takes another sip of his liquor, this one a little deeper.
A grey ear flicks with nervous energy. The side of his muzzle peels back slightly to reveal the eerie off-white sheen of a fearsome tooth. Something groans deep in his chest as he quickly slides a piece, then hides his hands underneath the table, where they play with his toes. His eyes flick to his forgotten drink, the red liquid looks menacing, yet the smell is as earthy as the ingredients that had been grown to make it.
Louis sighs, shakes his head, takes a drink but cradles the glass to his chest instead of setting it back down; swirling its contents as he ponders. “You know,” another sigh, eyes slowly crawl to a close, “you might find it an easier time if you didn’t rely on instinct alone.” Two fingers massage his temple.
“You told me I should embrace my carnivore side.” Legosi ejects back, not harshly, not even accusatorily. Legosi didn’t truly have a mean bone in his body; for those that were undeserving of his ire.
“That I did.” Louis shakes his antlers. “I guess I am to blame for you turning into such a delinquent. What must your grandpa think of me? Hmm?” A slight smile that is a mixture of truth and mischief.
Glass clinks on the wood of the table.
A sharp claw digs behind his ear as Legosi timidly mumbles, “Grandpa likes you.”
“I get the feeling that much like you, he wears his emotions on his sleeve. So yes, I’m sure he does.” These kind words cause the wolfs tail to wag, and Louis smiles to himself. “Well, let’s see what I can do here.” The red-tailed deer takes stock of the board, weighs his options then slides another piece.
Legosi pounces, his piece makes a heavy clink on the board as it takes advantage of the deer’s recent move. “Got you.” Legosi says triumphant, clicking the checker piece down next to his drink, which he takes a quick swig, enjoying the energizing vegetable juice.
The deer nods, proudly. “Good, you saw an opening and took it.” Languorously he picks up another checker, hops it over Legosi’s recently moved one, as well as another that had been left out to far. “But you still have such a narrow view of the board.” Tipping his antlers to his opponent, Louis sets the two shiny white pieces by his glass.
A mild click as the dentures inside Legosi’s mouth misalign. Palms splay out fingers, sharp nails unknowingly dig into the wood of the table as they try to hold up the weight behind them, a rear rises slightly off the ground as the wolf leans forward. A grey tail flicks in confusion as Legosi eyes the board. “I didn’t see that.” Legosi delivers his resignation at having lost a little ground in the fight with a deadpanned and quiet resolve.
“No, you didn’t.” Louis says as he circles one of the captured checkers around the other, the action he hoped would be mocking, however when he sees the wolf relax back into his seat, he knows that the gesture has gone over the canine’s head. I am going to catch you, a predatory thought, from a species that would/should not have those instincts. Maybe the dumb wolf has rubbed off on me too much. As Legosi leans over the board it stretches the fur at the juncture of his neck. The muscles are thin, but strong. Louis is jealous of the carnivore, who when not at work simply lazes about the tiny apartment reading. As for him, an herbivore, it takes a dedicated schedule (a run almost every morning and strict dieting) to keep his body fit. Though that neck looks mighty tasty even in his agitation.
Another black checker is slid lacking any thought behind it.
Louis grits his teeth, antlers bared before the wolf in a threatening manner. Legs slide out stiffly. A hand grips the table, while the other holds the wolf at bay as Louis rises onto a single wobbly leg. Pants leg rolled passed the stump cut off at his knee. The prosthetic dances with fire ablaze on its surface; it is propped close by, but louis feels no need to strap it on to only hop a few feet to retrieve his liquor bottle from the cabinet. If he falls, a wall is close by. Or the wolf would be on him quicker anyway. “Do you have any sense of strategy, Legosi.” The deer waves the bottle the wolfs way.
Legosi Shrugs; cheeks puffing like they’d been stuffed with a bunch of carrots.
After pouring another drink the bottle still has some heft. It’d probably be risky to brain the animal in front of him. So, Louis takes two large gulps this time; to settle the murderous intent is the justification. It works. Hands steady. Thoughts…dwindling. A steady sway becoming more apparent to the deer. Even dare say a giddiness, when Louis looks the wolf over again. I could show him absolutely no mercy, as he notes the board. But instead he only takes one piece instead of three. But where is the harm in a little toying around. Louis now stacks his winnings like poker chips.
CLINK, CLINK, CLINK, goes the checker pieces as he racks them.
An enriching sound that simply escapes through the thin walls of their single room apartment. A corner apartment was at least nice, they had two windows; which allowed nice summer breezes. A small fridge and portable range that sat atop it were by the door. The few pans, and utensils kept in a storage cabinet next to that. Three fourths of one wall was taken by a big bureau, while crammed in the crack between it and the windowed wall were futons of varying sizes. Of course, the center of the room was occupied by the table they were currently using. Which in order to roll out the futons for bed needed to be precariously balanced on the dresser. One could imagine entertaining guests was a difficult matter in such as small room. Luckily, there was space on the roof, which the landlord always left the door unlocked.
A deep mumble came from within, hand curled thoughtfully under his chin, Legosi tapped a few of his pieces; wiggling them within the confines of their square prisons. He withdrew his finger for a second to idly scratch an ear. Sighed, then made his move.
Louis let his glass linger under his nose, although not as sensitive as a canine’s, it did allow him to enjoy the hard fragrance of the drink. It reminded him of times he’d rather not linger on, not in present company; lest the wolf would make a fuss. Still, he saw the face for a second, gold mane, horn rimmed glasses, and beady eyes that always watched his back. Louis took an extra sip in remembrance of his fallen friend. I’m sorry, Ibuki.
“Are you ok?” Asked Legosi, noting the droop in the others posture. The deer always held himself high, so it was easy to tell when things were low. Or maybe something else allowed Legosi to know when those closest to him were in a funk?
Rather than admit what was on his mind Louis decided to channel another emotion, “Just admiring the view.” Lip splitting into a small grin, the deer leaned forward on his hand, as he set the drink down. Finger running up to circle the rim of the glass to collect its condensation. He watched the wolf’s ear flick, then Legosi looked over his shoulder to the window. The sun was getting lower, and the streetlights were beginning to flicker on; well the one’s that worked in this part of town.
When Legosi turned back around he found his nose pressed into something soft. The eye’s he stared into were a fine amber color, and if they weren’t enough to hold Legosi in place then the hand that gripped his would surely do so. Louis dragged the side of his face against Legosi’s muzzle, causing the wolf to lean into the wonderful friction. He could feel his jaw begin to loosen; his breath grew heavy. Body slipping down closer to the source. Until he caught the striking scent of alcohol that speared his nose.
Louis felt a large palm cover his mouth and nose; Legosi gave him a gentle push backwards.
“Sorry.” Legosi’s tail attempted to hide itself in shame even though it had been wagging madly only a few seconds prior.
A bark of laughter, “To much?” Louis laid, his hand upon the one cupping his snout, held it there. He could pick up the hint of the vegetable juice Legosi had been drinking. It made Louis a little hungry. A tongue extended outward.
Legosi’s ears shot up.
“Sorry, I know you don’t very much like the smell.” Referring to the heavy flavor of liquor that grew stronger the more Louis covered the wolfs hand in his saliva.
“Sorry.”
“Not necessary.” Nose ejecting agitated breaths, Louis held Legosi’s palm as he gave it a kiss. His fingers daintily run along the back of the hand. The gray fur felt nice, warm, comforting enough that Louis was tempted to rub his face in it. Legosi is always so warm, louis thought jealously. Such is the tragic fate of carnivores, or maybe their benefit, to have such alluring traits to feeble herbivores.
Two pairs of ears suddenly perk at the sound of a rusty squeak as the doorknob to the apartment begins to jiggle when a key is inserted. It takes a few hearty turns of the knob to open before two long white furred ears make it through the threshold first.
“Well,” hands on feminine hips, while flat buckish teeth fill the room with happiness, “hope I’m not interrupting anything am I boys?” The dwarf rabbit kicks the door closed; it rattles within its frame.
Louis smirks, backing out of Legosi’s hand, leaning on the table he says, “Just a little game.” The red-tailed deer scoots back round to his side of the checkerboard and begins to put it away.
“A game with stakes. Sounds fun. Please, don’t let me interrupt.” The bunny smiles as she hangs up her satchel on the lowest hook by the door.
When the bunny gets close enough Louis reaches out to rub her head, some dwarf rabbits might call the action demeaning but not this one. “It was starting to lose its fun.” Louis jests.
Bounding over to the large canine the rabbit lights up his face, tail wagging, and ears aimed skyward.
“Haru.” The wolf greets as he stoops his head down to her level.
“Can I at least get a kiss, Legosi?” The rabbit inquires, reaching out her small hands she grabs the wolf by the tufts of fur on either side of his head. Haru giggles as the large carnivore swallows her cheek with chaste affection. Careful of his claws he slides his finger over the length of one ear.
Thump, thump, thump. Thump, thump, thump, Legosi’s tail dusts the floor excitedly. Thump, thump, thump.
“Is that really all you can muster.” Louis’ dry voice splits the haze of warmth that had swallowed Legosi. The jab, although a bit mean spirited, seemed to have the opposite effect in cooling his heating body, it sweltered when those wicked eyes bared down on him.
“Now, now,” Haru says as she scratches underneath Legosi’s chin, making his shoulders droop, and births a dimwitted smile, “I think it’s sweet.” The rabbit finishes it off with a playful pat between the ears.
Haru then begins unbuckling her belt while walking over to the dresser. The quick white rabbit drops her pants, barring her behind to the two males.
Louis looks on unfazed, while Legosi holds a hand up in front of his face to give her privacy.
“He still flusters from a little skin.” The deer gestures at the wolf, who’s ears wilt.
The shirt comes off, exposing still more pure white fur. Haru takes a moment to look herself over, around her waist there were a few out of place spots were the fur looked a little thinner, beginning to shape into claw marks. Nose scrunching, she tenderly traced the marks as a smile grew. “You know you find it charming too.” Pulling open the bottom drawer she rummages around but does not find what she wants. She hops a few feet towards the door and grabs a small wooden stool. One of the legs wobbles as she climbs it to reach a higher drawer. “He doesn’t have to be like all the other hormonal animals. He can be whoever he wants to be in front of us.” The first drawer she looks in has many nicely folded clothes, clean pressed, mostly formal wear. Haru closes the drawer, she wasn’t trying to be fancy after a long day of work. The top drawers were the hardest to reach even with a stool, the rabbit had to bounce on her toes to wrench the drawer open, then hang a bit to even peek inside. This drawer was much more chaotic, things thrown in, stuffed in really, to make it all fit inside a single drawer because the others were plentiful occupied. But the clothes inside were much more used, sweatpants, tank tops, and t-shirts. Feet growing tired from the strain Haru gave one final bounce and thrusted her hand into the pile and thankfully pulled out a t-shirt.
Louis blew out a laugh. “Since when is he normal when he’s out in society?” The deer jabs an accusatory thumb towards the wolf who was still maintaining his privacy curtain with Haru. Legosi had his chin stuffed into his chest in shame.
“Oh, will you stop you dumb wolf. I don’t mind it…anymore that is.” Louis says.
Having thrown the shirt on, of which it flowed passed her knees like a dress, Haru pulled Legosi’s hand down to let the wolf know that he could look again. However, his eyes did not meet hers, they instead were drawn to an unseen spot on the table.
“You’re not ashamed of me, are you?” Legosi addresses the room quietly. It is apparent the kind of weight this question had on the wolf.
“Maybe embarrassed sometimes, but no, don’t think that after all we’ve been through that we’d ever think like that.” The deer grabs his prosthetic leg, then waves it over the table in the wolfs face for emphasis. He then sets it down and reaches towards Legosi, palm up in a sign of openness for the wolf to timidly take hold.
“LE-GO-SI!” Haru exclaims as she squeezes the wolfs head between her tiny hands. “Don’t think like that.” The bunny plants a kiss on that big old canine nose, which wiggles in response.
Usually Louis was good with words, able to spin an encouraging speech from thin air. This situation however, demanded something a little different than what those words might have conveyed. He soaked the back of the wolfs hand in the warmth of his lips, to hopefully show his dedication to the other.
It was all too much, the love he was being shown had Legosi whining happily. Tail thumping as much as his heart. The feeling of each of their fur on his…Haru’s so soft, so pure; louis, firm but pliable.
“So, how about instead of getting ourselves down we have something to eat, hmm?” Haru said with the wolf’s head still between her hands.
Legosi shakes with enough enthusiasm to jiggle the both of them.
“What do you guys want then?” Haru asks making for the fridge. Rolling up her overlarge sleeves which have trouble staying put with her thin arms and shoulders. She tries to think of what they had on hand to cook with. There were some eggs for Legosi, and vegetables for them, nothing that she can get fancy with though, but she had off tomorrow. I’ll cook up something good then, the bunny pulls out her phone to start a list as she half mindedly works.
Louis taps his fingers on the table, a bit angrily, “I’m sorry, I have to meet with some felines tonight.”
“I’ll save you some then.” It is said without hesitation, because Haru understands, they all have lives outside this room. Louis just happened to keep different hours than them. When the sun went down that was when he needed to take charge. Oh, she knew the job wasn’t exactly something she could talk to her parents about, or anyone really. Well, none of her herbivore friends.
Legosi’s body swells, he places a hand on the table; claws visible. They are razors on every fingertip; harsh when needed, but gentle all other times.
As Louis slips on his prosthetic, he notices the wolfs swelling demeanor. He gives a sharp tap on the table to catch the wolf’s attention, “Don’t worry,” he smiles, “we’re just chatting. Nothing dangerous tonight.” Tone means everything with carnivores, and Louis had said enough with just that. He did not need the canine by his side, tonight.
Long limbs ensnare his body in a powerful hold. Nostrils flair. Maybe he was being a bit ridiculous, pouting like he was a pup again, but he only wanted to keep Louis safe.
A cabinet door next to the fridge rattled on aged rails. Louis pulled out a long bag which sat squished between the door and the pots and pans. He hung the hook on one of the knobs of the dresser. A nicely pressed button up already sitting on top. He began to shed his informal wear, and readied to dawn his mask. The thing that kept him safe around the unsavory people who inhabited the black market. Fur bristling on his neck, as he hooked one button at a time. Louis the red deer harrumphed. Knowing that there were in fact eyes upon him. Could hear the methodical thump of a tail. For being so upset for not getting to come, you do seem to be enjoying watching me aren’t you…
“Legosi.” A sweetened pitch drew the wolf’s stare, “stop eyeing Louis’s fanny and come mix the eggs for me. Unless you don’t want to eat.” The best way to a carnivore’s heart was through their stomach; not literally of course, considering the circumstances of this living arrangement…and their species.
Heavy feet brought Legosi pass the deer, fluffy tail stealthily brushing his bottom which had nothing but underwear to cover it up.
Louis shivered at the raw contact with his own stubby tail. What a troublesome wolf, Louis thought. Yet he could feel the pounding in his chest, and the want stirring below, yet he was a deer of fortitude…so he put on his pants and hoped no one would notice.
“When will you be home?” Legosi asks stooped low over the small working area, egg delicately held by the edges of his claws, he gives its shell the slightest tap to the edge of the bowl. It is enough to crack it open.
Louis watches the yolk spill out; a shiver smothered as he puts on his suit jacket.
“Before bed?” Haru adds, as she pops the top on the dressing and gives it a sniff. It was still good, maybe.
Antlers shake, Louis bows apologetically. “No…probably not.” The not seems to flair frustratedly from his throat. With those lions’ things tended to get done at a snail’s pace, especially when it came to their meetings. They were meant for action and instinct, not overly complicated thinking, although it might have sounded mean spirited, or speciest coming from any other herbivore. Louis had a slight smile when thinking about his lions.
The fabric felt cool against his fur, Louis brushed out any wrinkles, and picked out any fur that might be clinging, hard to accomplish for sure; given all the company the herbivore keeps.
Cuff links shiny, even in the dim light; Louis paused while fixing them.
Haru stood atop her wobbly stool back pressed into Legosi’s front as the wolf towers over. The sizzle of butter crackled in their ears. At her command the wolf grabs anything she asks for; pepper, salt, a bit of the vegetables to add other flavors to his omelet. A scene framed by the sheer compactness of their apartment. Even with its old…everything really. Maybe not ideal standards of living, or what Louis had been used to for much of his life, but this…this was home for him.
The deer finished buttoning up the front of his jacket, joining the two huddled over the pan. “Smells good,” two fingers rub up the length of Haru’s arm, higher and higher till they find the underside of Legosi’s chin, “sorry I’m going to miss it.” That he really is, but sometimes life makes you do things you don’t really want. That is the honest truth that Louis has learned within his life so far. Who knows, maybe that’ll change, but not today, maybe not tomorrow either.
Haru smiles, “Oh you.” The rabbit leans up, planting her hands dangerously close to the hot little stove to get closer to Louis. He bends down to meet her. They both find the moment however, interrupted by the noise of a tail hitting the cabinet nest to their cooking area.
“Such a happy wolf.” Haru blissfully notes.
“A nosy one.” Louis laughs.
“I don’t think it’s fair to leave him out now do you?” The rabbit’s small tail wiggles excitedly, omelet dropping from her attention. Wholly black eyes frame the two males in their sights.
Fingers flex. Legosi leans sideways. His eyes begin to close. Louis can see how his nostrils try to shut themselves from the smell that encircles the deer as he closes in.
A connection is not made. Instead Legosi finds a hand wrapped around his muzzle. Confused as to why the deer will not let him kiss him, however, doesn’t have him waiting long for a physical answer as the deer manipulates the wolf so he can place a leisurely kiss on the side of it.
“Allow me to spare your nose.” Another, deeper this time, enough to expose a bit of pink and let the wolf feel the deer’s hard teeth.
Haru fans a pleased grin onto her face.
Legosi whines deeply when he sees the kindle in Louis’s eyes, who speaks in a low voice, “I expect something in return of course.”
It’s hard to want to leave when the wolf leans after him as Louis sets a hand on the door.
“Keep our wolf company.”
“Will do.” Haru salutes as her nose begins to pick up on the burning smell of eggs.
The door closes behind Louis. Cool air struggling to swallow the warmth in his chest.
The End