Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Legosi awoke to find the bed empty, as usual. He has afternoon shifts at the Udon Noodle Shop, where he works, so by the late morning when he wakes up, Louis has long since gone to work. Being the CEO of Horns and a Beastar didn't allow Louis late mornings.

Legosi got up and stretched, his back popping. The cold of winter was seeping into their house, but he noticed the heat was still the same as the night before. He shrugged and moved to the bathroom through a sleep addled brain.

He relieved himself and brushed his teeth before leaving the bathroom and sitting on the bed. The house was always eerily quiet when he was alone. He pondered if he should eat first or get dressed first. Glancing at his phone for the time told him he had plenty of time before his shift. A text from Louis read 'Good morning'. Legosi smiled sleepily and sent one back before putting his phone down and heading to the kitchen.

There was some leftover pizza from the night before that Legosi reheated. He made himself some tea while he waited for the microwave to do it's job. He scratched an itch on his wrist and perked up when the microwave dinged. He ate breakfast, drank his tea and then left back to their bedroom.

Grabbing his work uniform from the closet, he tossed it on the bed and pulled his pajama shirt off. The cold immediately soaked right through to his bones and he went to grab his uniform to put the shirt on, when he noticed a cluster of fur on the floor. Tilting his head at it, he glanced at his nightshirt. It wasn't shedding season yet, that would come when it starts to get warmer.

Scratching at his wrist again, he noticed some more fur come off and gently float to the ground. He took a closer look at his wrist, a deep frown on his face. That frown soon turned to confusion, followed by worry.

A small cluster of 8 green scales formed a patch near his wrist. They were itchy and stood out brightly against his grey and creme coloured fur. A moment passed where he just stared at it, then the cold sent a chill through his spine and he grabbed his shirt like he'd planned before.

His mind was already racing a million miles an hour while he got dressed fully for work. Would more scales form? Would they cover his body like they did his mother's? Was he sad about them? He didn't feel sad. Would he have to cover them? Probably, luckily it was winter but it would become more difficult to hide during the warmer months.

What would Louis think?

That thought stopped the raging train right in it's path. He couldn't tell Louis. Then again, Louis has met Gosha, he knows about Legosi being part Komodo Dragon, but would this change things? Of course it would! He couldn't find out, that was what Legosi decided on.

He checked his phone again once his shoes were on and grabbed his cap from the hook behind the door. Making sure he had his phone and keys, Legosi set off to walk to the nearest train station. It was only 10 minutes by train to his work and that gave him plenty of time to think of how he could properly hide this from his co-workers. Maybe he was overreacting, but he knew how society viewed hybrids and he wasn't keen to become part of that stigma.

In the worst case scenario, he could lose his job, which meant Louis would be the only income for them, and even if they could live comfortably on what Louis made, Legosi felt like he would feel bad for constantly having to rely on Louis for everything.

The train was packed with people commuting towards their workplaces, some maybe returning from lunch, while others were heading in for the afternoon shifts, just like himself.

Louis had often offered for Legosi to quit his job at the Noodle Shop and do whatever at home, but Legosi didn't feel comfortable doing that, if he did, it would mean he'd technically be freelancing off Louis and he really didn't want to do that.

Shaking his head, his ears flopping slightly, he turned his thoughts towards how he was going to hide this from his co-workers. If he kept throwing off hair, he would end up getting it in the food. Gloves would be a decent temporary fix to that, at least until the summer months. If he was put on dishwashing duty? He noted to just stick his hands deep enough in the soapy water to cover it up.

This would be a long day at work indeed.

---

Legosi found himself tired and sweaty when he got on the 5:20 train back to his neighbourhood. As he'd thought that morning, it was indeed a long day, despite the shift itself not being so long. He'd managed to hide it from the others and he found himself leaning his head back a bit as he tried to keep thinking about what to do next, but found he was too tired.

Maybe a good shower and a change of attire would clear his head. The train ride passed by as quickly as ever and Legosi walked as fast as his long legs could carry him. Smaller animals gave him a wide berth on the sidewalk as he did.

Immediately after he stepped into the house, he took his cap off and kicked his shoes off a moment later. The house was quiet, signalling that Louis wasn't back yet. Perfect.

---

Legosi was already showered and in his pajamas when Louis returned from work that night. Legosi had been watching TV and his tail started wagging like crazy. When Louis put a takeaway bag on the counter, Legosi ran over and picked his boyfriend up, kissing him. Louis laughed and held onto Legosi's shoulders, happily kissing him back.

Legosi finally put him down and the two got to dinner. Louis liked to make a point out of eating dinner together, either out of wanting to spend that time with Legosi, or another reason, he wasn't really sure. They grabbed their food and sat on the couch, watching a random movie while they ate and talked about their day at work.

Afterwards, the containers were left on the table to be forgotten and they snuggled up on the couch to finish watching the movie. Louis rested his head on the armrest and Legosi laid on top of him, head snuggled against Louis' chest and breathing slowly. Louis could feel Legosi shiver every few minutes but didn't think much of it. It was still the middle of winter, after all.

When the movie finished, Legosi gave Louis another kiss and then slowly gets up. Louis smiled and watched the wolf drag himself to bed. The prior then got up to grab a shower before he too, joined the wolf in their bed.

Louis had barely just slid into bed when Legosi rolled over and curled into him. Louis shivered slightly as half asleep, ice cold wolf paws slipped under his nightshirt. He placed a hand to Legosi's forehead, but he was neither cold or hot, so he wasn't running a fever or getting sick, yet Louis couldn't ever remember the wolf's hands being that cold.

He shook off the ideas and curled into Legosi as well, falling asleep not too long after.

Chapter Text

Louis' eyes fluttered open to find an empty bed and the rays of the late morning sun shining into the room. He had the day off, so he allowed himself a chance to sleep in for once. Unfortunately, Legosi still had work today, so Louis would be spending most of the day alone until Legosi's shift ended that evening.

He sighed and sat up, throwing his legs over the side of the bed. He noticed the blanket was completely thrown off the bed and glanced at his phone. It wasn't supposed to be this warm yet, it was only early Spring. He got up and checked the AC on his way to the bathroom. He stood still and stared at it for a while. It was cranked way up. Did Legosi do that? It wasn't cold enough to warrant it though. He sighed and turned it down before heading into the bathroom.

He relieved himself and when he finished washing his hands, he decided he'd brush his teeth since he was here. Staring at the contents on the bathroom sink with a muddled morning brain as he brushed his teeth, something stood out to him. An unfamiliar bottle. He halted a moment to pick up the small container. It's label said scale oil. He frowned, wondering if it was a gift for Gosha or maybe the Komodo had forgotten it the last time he visited them but it was half empty and Gosha didn't forget stuff like that. He shrugged and put the bottle down before finishing up.

He went back to their room and got dressed. Throwing his pajamas in the laundry basket, he stared at the heap for a moment. "Might as well do it. I have the time." He picked up the basket and walked to their laundry room. They owned a modest little house that was mostly Louis' idea at the time but it had grown on Legosi.

As he threw the clothes in the machine, he noticed something. Most of Legosi's clothes were still the thick winter ones and, thinking back over the last couple weeks, it had been getting warmer and the clothes would've been uncomfortable. He frowned and checked his phone again, maybe Legosi had sent a text but no such thing appeared. He decided to ask Legosi about it when he returned from his shift.

The rest of the day went fine. Louis made himself a light lunch and watched TV while he cleaned up the house a little bit. Usually Legosi cleaned but he figured he had the time and couldn't always expect Legosi to do all the cleaning alone, even if he did have more days off than Louis could ever wish to have. He was surprised by the amount of long, grey fur in the shower drain though. Legosi shed, yes, but this amount was excessive.

Dusk arrived and soon Louis heard the familiar jangle of keys in the front door. Said door swung open and his boyfriend stepped into the house. Louis offered a smile, but the first thing he noticed was how thickly Legosi was dressed. The latter shed his overly thick jacket and Louis noted the long sleeved shirt he had on underneath. This raised more questions. Had he been dressed like this all along despite the warming weather?

"Hey Lou," Legosi said as he walked over, kissing the deer and just smiling at him in that gentle manner only the wolf could manage. "Hey Gosi," The deer kissed back but Legosi immediately picked up something was wrong and his tail stopped wagging. "Is something the matter?" He asked, meeting Louis' eyes, which were looking back at him as if he was trying to calculate something. "I don't know, is there?"

"What do you mean?" Legosi asked, looking a little nervous. This damn wolf has always been a bad liar. Louis gestured towards the wolf's hands. "It's too warm for that, aren't you overheated?" Louis, himself, was just wearing a t-shirt and jeans and that was after he turned down the heat. Legosi shook his head and tucked his arms close to his body "No, it seems to be colder this year than before."

Louis bit his lip, the reaction making him fear the worst. He'd always been aware of Legosi's underlying hidden depression but never thought the wolf would do anything, hopefully he didn't. Louis moved closer to him, running his hands gently from Legosi's biceps downwards but as he moved them to wrap around the inner forearm, Legosi jerked his arms away.

Louis stepped back a little, a look of worry and then determination showing in his hazel eyes. "Legosi, show me your arms." Legosi frowned, "W-what?" Louis huffed and reached to grab the wolf's arm but Legosi pulled away again, stepping back. He was surprisingly fast, like he was expecting it or it was practiced.

"Legosi," The way Louis said his name made his ears lower against his head and his tail tuck to his legs. He scratched at his arm and some fur fell out the end of the sleeve. Louis eyed it suspiciously.

"Did you get hurt or hurt yourself?" Legosi's ears suddenly skyrocketed and he shook his head furiously. "N-no, no. I wouldn't, I didn't. I promise." "Then what's with this behaviour? I know you're hiding something." His ears drooped again and with his eyes shifting around the room nervously, Louis swore he didn't mean to sound so angry when he said it.

"H-how about we s-sit down?" Legosi offered, gesturing to the couch. Louis frowned but gave the wolf that at least. As Louis sat down, Legosi joined him, but he wasn't sitting as close as he normally would. Louis reached his hand over to cup Legosi's cheek, "Please tell me what's the matter."

Legosi swallowed hard and Louis could see a thousand thoughts flicker behind those tiny pupils before he decided on what to say. He cleared his throat and looked at the floor, seemingly unsure if he should look at his boyfriend. "So, you know how my grandpa is a Komdo Dragon?" Louis nods, "Yeah, we meet with Gosha every few weeks for dinner. Did something happen to him?"

Legosi shook his head, his ears flopping a little as he did. "No, grandpa's fine, but-" the words got stuck in his throat. Louis placed a gentle hand on his wolf's knee and said, "but...?" Legosi swallowed again and when he moved his head to meet Louis' eyes, the latter could see tears threatening to spill and it broke his heart.

"Promise me you'll still love me if I tell you?" His voice was quiet and his eyes held a pleading look to them, something Louis hadn't seen from the carnivore in years. "We've been dating for seven years now, I'll continue to love you no matter what." He said reassuringly, shifting closer to Legosi.

Legosi took a deep breath and sat a little more upright. He reached over and pulled his left sleeve up, the one that he itched earlier, before presenting it to Louis with his eyes screwed shut. He didn't want to see the buck's reaction.

For a moment, Louis' brain stopped working from what he saw. It hadn't been new scars or wounds, self inflicted or otherwise, of any magnitude, like he'd been expecting. No, before him on Legosi's arm, was a patch of green scales that covered the underside of his wrist up to just below the bend of his elbow. Tears still brimmed the corners of his shut eyes as Louis gently took hold of the back of his wrist to pull his arm closer, as if to inspect it and confirm what his eyes were seeing. He gently traced his other hand over the scales. They were smooth and surprisingly well maintained, like Legosi knew what he was doing.

"How long...?" Louis couldn't properly finish that sentence but the slight bend in his voice wasn't from anger or anything, it seemed more sad. Sad that Legosi hid this from him? Sad because of the scales? Legosi couldn't tell yet. He wiped his eyes with his free hand and mumbled, "Almost two months now."

"Two months?!" Louis yelled in surprise, his grip on Legosi's wrist tightening, of course Legosi could easily pull out of his grasp anyway but he wasn't. Legosi's ears were flat against his head again. "Why didn't you tell me?" Louis' voice lowered again when he saw Legosi's reaction. "I was afraid and you were busy," the wolf mumbled once more.

"Afraid of what?" Legosi met his eyes again and this time Louis couldn't read the emotions behind them. "Afraid you wouldn't want to be seen with a hybrid. Afraid that if you are seen with a hybrid, it'll damage your reputation. Afraid you'd leave me because of it." Louis' ears drooped this time. "I've known you were hybrid ever since you introduced me to Gosha a couple months after we started dating. I love you for you and that isn't going to change because of a few scales." Despite the gentle and kind words, Legosi still seemed to be holding back tears.

"It's more than just a few." He took his wrist back carefully and lifted his other sleeve. His right arm was in a similar state. Louis berated himself mentally for not noticing this sooner. If it had been going on for two months, and they spend all their time at home in close proximity, he should have noticed, but somehow he didn't.

"How did you hide it from me?" Legosi looked back at the floor, focusing on a spot on the tiles. "It honestly didn't take much. You were so wrapped up in the Beastar stuff and doing work for Horns, that you were overworked and tired. It made it easier to slip passed you." Now Louis was more upset with himself, but he couldn't dwell on it, he had to help Legosi first.

"Does it hurt?" His ears twitched as he waited for Legosi to answer. He got a shrug, followed by, "It's itchy when it grows out, but surprisingly painless. The way she reacted made it seem terribly painful." Louis let out a soft sigh in relief, adding to his mental list of questions to ask who 'she' was.

"Do you dislike them?" He asked carefully and Legosi was quiet for a moment, internally questioning himself before he shook his head. "No, I like them. They look like grandpa's and I've always admired his scales." Louis nods, relaxing a little. He's heard about the contempt Hybrids often have for their own bodies and Legosi liking the scales might make coping with it a little easier.

"Have you told him yet?" He didn't have to specify who he was talking about, Legosi knew who he was referring to. He swallowed hard again. "No, I'm too afraid." Louis frowned again and reached to take hold of Legosi's arm once more. Legosi let him. "If you like the scales, then why are you afraid to tell him?"

Legosi held back a sob. "Because of my mom." Louis perked ever so slightly. He had most of the story from Gosha and Legosi. He knew about Leano and that she ended her own life, but not specifically why. Before he could ask, Legosi spoke again. "She.... she killed herself... because she was a hybrid. She didn't like the scales that grew all over her body. She locked herself away in her room and checked me every day for scales through the hole in the door." Louis' mind flashed to the memory of seeing the little circular flap in a door at Gosha's house.

"I'm afraid if I tell Grandpa or show it to him, he'll think I'm going to do the same." Seeing the way Louis eyed him, made Legosi add, "I won't, I promise. I don't hate him and I don't hate being a hybrid. It's just..." Louis got the idea and pulled Legosi into a tight hug. Legosi buried his head in Louis' neck and took a few shuddering breaths.

"You'll have to tell him eventually. You can't keep hiding behind long sleeves." Legosi sniffled and nodded, "You're right." Louis remembered something and hoped it might steer the conversation away a little so Legosi wasn't so down. He hated seeing his big, loving puppy so sad.

"So, does that explain the bottle of scale oil in the bathroom?" Legosi sniffed, rubbing his eyes and nose before speaking. He looked a little sheepish now. "Did I forget to hide it this morning?" Louis chuckled softly, "Yeah."

A small smile graced the wolf's already gentle features. "Yes. I remember grandpa using that stuff on his scales in the colder months. It makes them all shiny and healthy and all that stuff. I also have scale cream and some hidden soap for scales too. Fur soap and scale soap are vastly different." As Legosi went on and on about the products he's been secretly hoarding, wildly gesturing with his free hand as he does, he held his other hand still while Louis traced and examined it.

It was a big change for sure, and he had no doubt some assholes would have some really rude stuff to say about it, but he was relieved that Legosi told him. He would also never love him any less for it. Then a thought struck him, but he opted to keep quiet, knowing Legosi may have already brooded over it in the last two months. Would he grow more scales? All of these obviously hadn't just appeared all at once overnight. And did that mean he might develop venom in the long run? Louis hoped the latter would never happen, he just loved kissing the wolf too much.

When Legosi eventually quietened down again, Louis pulled him in for a kiss. They stayed there for a moment, enjoying it, before they had to part for air. Louis let out a soft sigh, "You have to tell him." Legosi nods, looking at his forearms again. "I will, but can we maybe get dinner first? I'm starving." As if on queue, his stomach growled loudly, making Louis laugh. "Of course. I've got vegetable soup and egg salad sandwiches waiting for us in the kitchen. "

That got Legosi's tail wagging, faster than Louis had noticed it wag in the last couple weeks, and the wolf zoomed passed his boyfriend into the kitchen. Louis laughed softly and followed to join him, knowing otherwise he might not get any. Rex knew this wolf's stomach was a bottomless pit at times, and Louis was willing to bet it would be that way after all the heavy emotions earlier.

--------

They finished dinner and took a shower together, the first one in a while. They usually got back from work at different times and Legosi would already be showered and watching TV when Louis arrived home. Afterwards, they settled on cuddling on the couch, Legosi in a short sleeved night shirt, but he'd still cranked the heat up a little inside.

"Am I going to have to get used to the heat?" "Only until Summer is in full swing. I've been weirdly cold the last couple of days." Louis nods, petting behind Legosi's ears, to which he received the rhythmic thumps of a tail against the couch. Legosi had put some scale oil on his inner arms and Louis had found it almost mesmerising to watch his boyfriend go through the motions of scalecare.

Louis, once again, gently traced them with his thumb while admiring the way they shone, almost like emeralds, even in the dim light reflecting from just the TV in the dark room.

They grew tired after watching a movie and moved their cuddling to their bed. Louis discarded his shirt, but kept his pajama pants on and Legosi tucked in behind him as he was. Careful of Louis' antlers, Legosi settled and wrapped his arms around his deer. Louis settled in against his boyfriend, still surprised by the heat radiating off him, even if it was a little less than usual, combined with icy hands.

As Louis listened to Legosi's breathing even out and soft snores starting up, he couldn't help but realise that scales felt so much different against his fur than the fluffy grey mass of fur he was used to. He also realised, he didn't really mind it either. It wasn't too long after that Louis found himself falling asleep as well.

Chapter Text

Legosi and Louis stood outside the familiar apartment, hand in hand, waiting for the old Komodo Dragon to open the door.

A click sounded and the door opened, Legosi letting go of Louis' hand to hug his grandpa. Gosha smiled happily and hugged back. When they parted, Gosha also gave Louis a hug, albeit not as tightly as he did with Legosi. Didn't want to go breaking the stag.

"Good to see you boys. Come in, come in." As they stepped inside, they could feel the apartment was way warmer than it was outside, despite Spring being in full swing by now. "How have you boys been?" He asked as he shut the door and turned to them. "Good, actually." Gosha smiled "Dinner's almost ready, we can talk in the livingroom while we wait." The two nodded and Louis picked up that Gosha didn't seem to realise Legosi was still wearing long sleeves.

They settled in the livingroom, Legosi and Louis together on the couch while Gosha sat in his armchair. They talked about the usual, how their jobs were going and how life has been. Louis found it interesting that Gosha still worked at his age, and in construction at that.

"Dinner is ready." Gosha said in his usual sweet voice. The three of them moved to the kitchen and sat at the table. Gosha put the food in the middle, the table having been set before the two even arrived, and let the two take their share first. Legosi waited until Louis took his share before he took his own and then Gosha dished his own plate as well.

Their idle conversation from earlier continued. Legosi itched at his arms a couple times throughout, but tried to make it as inconspicuous as possible. When they were done, Legosi poured them some drinks and put the dishes away into the sink. Louis spoke gently, "I think it's time you tell him." Legosi nodded and turned to face his grandpa, who looked a little confused. "Tell me what?"

Legosi bit his tongue and took a deep breath in, releasing it slowly to calm his nerves. "Grandpa, I've been meaning to tell you and its been going on for a couple of months now, but I was worried and working through my own thoughts on it and-" He cut himself off, realising he was rambling. He sighed and met Gosha's eyes before pulling up both sleeves of the blue sweater he'd been wearing. He presented his arms to Gosha.

Gosha was confused until he saw the solid patches of green covering his grandson's inner arms, meeting grey fur. If he had ears, Legosi would've sworn they'd be down against his skull right now. The old Komodo didn't seem to react for a tense moment, then Louis thought he saw water building up in pinprick eyes. Legosi saw it as well.

Gosha got up quickly and looked about to run out of the room when Legosi jumped to his feet and grabbed his wrist, anchoring the old animal in place. "Grandpa?" He asked hesitantly.  Louis watched quietly, knowing deep down this was something important they had to talk about.

Some tears slowly trickled down the old reptile's face and Legosi felt his heart clench. He pulled his grandpa into a tight hug. Gosha hugged back, holding Legosi around his back as if he would disappear into nothingness when he let go. "I'm here grandpa, and I'm not going anywhere. " He whispered as Gosha tucked his head into Legosi's shoulder, his grip only tightening.

Legosi had a good idea of what was going through Gosha's mind at that moment. He was afraid of losing Legosi like he'd lost Leano. Legosi was aware of the venom eating a hole in his sweater, but it still did nothing to him, so he paid it no mind. "I like the scales... and I still love you, grandpa. I'm not going anywhere."

Gosha shook slightly at those words. He'd expected for Legosi to be mad at him like Leano had been. He expected to be yelled at and told how scary and ugly it was, like Leano had done, but Legosi's gentle tone and words calmed those fears. Gosha took a few steadying breaths and pulled away slowly. "Do you mean that, Legosi?" Their eyes met and all Gosha could see was love. It almost made him break down again.

He took Legosi's left wrist and examined it carefully, almost as if his grandson would fall apart if he was any rougher. Legosi quietly started telling him which scale products he'd been using, asking for opinions from the older male. Gosha smiled and ran his thumb over the well maintained scales. The state they were in already told Gosha that Legosi was telling the truth about liking them.

It was taking a while to sink in that Legosi didn't resent the scales growing on his body and didn't resent him for them, since it was all he'd ever heard from Leano about it. They shared another tight hug, both pulling themselves together once more, before they sat down again.

Louis mentally found himself surprised at how well Legosi had handled the situation.

"Sorry about your sweater." Gosha chuckled, making Legosi laugh. "It's okay, grandpa. I have plenty more." They laughed again, this time Louis joined in. "Maybe I need to take you shopping, get you some clothes that don't dissolve from venom." Legosi laughed softly, but nodded. "I think I'd like that, Grandpa. We should totally do that." Gosha smiled at his grandson.

When things calmed down again, Legosi helped Gosha clean the dishes while Louis put away the leftovers in the fridge. Once finished, Gosha shook his head at the hole again and quickly left to his room. When he returned, he had a long sleeved shirt that he gave the wolf.

Naturally, Legosi's shoulders weren't as wide as his own, but it fit well anough for the two's trip home. "There." He said once Legosi switched into it. "Am I going to have to get used to being constantly cold?" He asked, his ears twitching. Gosha shrugged, "I don't know, Legosi. Leano didn't seem effected by the heat, but Hybrids are an iffy thing. What works for one won't work for another." Legosi nodded in understanding.

They stayed for a while longer after dinner, just watching TV. Occasionally Gosha would eye the scales on his grandson's arms again, even once or twice having traced them again, as if to see whether this was real or not. He was at least glad that Legosi seemed to be taking it in strides.

On Legosi's other side, Louis would trace the scales with his thumb without even realising. Neither was sure if it was for the comfort of themselves or the other that Legosi allowed it, but neither complained, enjoying it. Louis liked the way the scales felt, while Legosi just enjoyed being pet.

Chapter Text

"Would you move that heavy pot over to the spot in the sun there?" Haru asked, gesturing to the pot in question. Legosi nods and picks up the plant, moving it to where he was directed.

It was another one of his days off and Legosi had chosen to drop in to see how it was going with Haru and her flowershop/plant nursery. He was more than happy to help his old friend out for the day and Haru seemed to appreciate the company.

"Thanks, that helps a lot," Haru says with a smile, mixing fertiliser into a pot where she planned to replant some tulips. Legosi would've wagged his tail, but as per tradition, it was tucked into his belt loops. "Anytime, Haru." He moved the last of the plants and once Haru finished up, she offered him some lunch.

They sat at the table in the middle of the garden, eating some sandwiches Haru made them and talking. Haru frowned a little when she saw how dirty Legosi's sleeves had gotten from helping her. She was about to ask why he hadn't rolled them up, when it dawned on her that it was the middle of summer. The shirt should've been way too warm for someone with so much fur to be wearing, and yet Legosi seemed fine, his tail was even wagging.

She took a sip of her fruit juice and cleared her throat, "So, are you going to tell me what's with the shirt?" She gestured towards his sleeves. Legosi offered a shy smile, "It's a long story, actually. Don't worry about it." His tail had slowed down conciderably.

"We haven't seen each other in months, but we're still friends, Legosi. You can tell me if something's bothering you." Haru said, taking another sip of her drink. "I promise I'm okay, Haru. It's nothing to worry about." He swallowed the last bit of his sandwich and drank his ice tea. The afternoon sun was a welcome feeling on his face and seemed to heat up his whole body. Legosi vaguely wondered if that's how it felt for his grandfather.

Haru's inquisitive eyes followed his wrists as he moved his hands around. Its been years since the claws bothered her, it wasn't that.

"Legosi, do you have another shirt on under the one you're wearing?" She suddenly asked, making Legosi pause all movement and tuck his hands against his stomach to fiddle with his fingers. "No, w-why do you ask, Haru?" She frowned. "Then there's probably a leaf or something inside your sleeve. I could've sworn I saw green."

Legosi's ears flattened against his head and he lowered his gaze to his hands. He wasn't sure if he should tell her. Would she judge him? Would she yell at him to leave? She could be very scary in her own right when she wanted to be.

Legosi flinched back when a small hand took one of his own. Her hands were still so small compared to his that the situation reminded him just how much bigger he is, even compared to normal wolves. "Legosi?" Haru's voice was soft, gentle, much like a mother. He bit his lip and wanted to kick himself for stalling.

"H-haru, how do you, uhm, how do you feel about... Hybrids?" He asked shakily, having trouble even getting the sentence past his teeth. Haru frowned and tilted her head, those innocent eyes making her look like a kid. "I mean, they're okay, unless they're like that weird professor I had in college. He was kind of creepy." She added a small giggle. "Why do you ask?"

Between her gentle tone and kind eyes that looked up to meet his own, he felt like he owed it to her to tell her the truth now. "I, uhm, did I ever tell you that I am a hybrid?" His voice was getting quieter with every sentence. Haru seemed to think about that, but then shook her head, "No, I don't recall if you ever did."

He was surprised that she was still this calm, even after what he just said. "W-well, I am. I'm... uhm, my grandpa is a... a uh, Komdo Dragon." He gave her a second to take in the news. Once it sunk in, she seemed to be taking a better look at him.

It had come as a shock to Haru, sure, but now things made so much sense. Even compared to other wolves she'd seen, he was a lot bigger and some of his features, like his hands, almost looked too big for his body. Then there was his eyes. Back when they dated briefly in high-school, his eyes had fascinated her to no end. She blinked back to the present and offered him a smile.

"That's a shock, if I'm being honest, but now a lot of things make more sense," She kept her voice gentle and laughed softly afterwards. Legosi relaxed a little bit. She hadn't just chased him out and it was a big relief to him. "No offense, but what does that have to do with your shirt?" She asked, moving a little closer to where he still sat.

Legosi nervously laughed, but figured it might be best to do what he did with his grandfather, to just show her. He took a deep breath in and pulled his sleeves up to just above his elbows, offering them to her.

Her eyes widened severely, which was saying something, and she grabbed hold of his wrist to get a closer look. "Legosi... that's so frieken cool!" Legosi's mind was reeling from what he'd just heard. That was a first time response. He offered a nervous chuckle.

Haru was tracing the scales on his inner arm, seemingly intrigued by the texture and colour. "When did this start happening?" She didn't let go of his arm and he let her do whatever with her small hands. "They s-started showing up about two weeks before Spring. It's been a mess to keep them hidden from everyone."

Haru would've lectured him about hiding something so him but then she remembered how Hybrids were often treated in their society. He risked losing his job and if people realised, they may start treating him like he's venomous, which was arguably almost as bad as the treatment of Hybrids. "Do they hurt?" She asked quietly, looking over his other arm as well.

Legosi shrugged, "They itch when they grow out and it's caused so much extra shedding, but otherwise no." She nodded, at least thankful it wasn't painful for him. "Does Louis know?" Legosi nods, "Of course Louis knows. He was the first one to find out. Then I told my grandpa, and now you." Haru stopped her inspection to gawk up at him, "You've seriously not told anyone else?!"

Legosi nodded frantically, "Yes, and please don't tell Juno. I'll... I'll tell her when I'm ready, okay? Same goes for everyone else." Haru nods, "I promise I won't tell another soul. I would've thought you would have told Jack though. Aren't you guys like brothers?" Legosi seemed to deflate at the mention of Jack.

"I'm afraid he'll no longer want to be friends when I tell him. I mean, I can live with the other 701 guys avoiding me if they find out, but it.. it's gonna hurt too much if Jack abandones me." Haru looked up at him, a sad but determined look in her eyes. "I think you're worried over nothing. Jack wouldn't do that! He's... he's Jack!"

Legosi allowed himself to chuckled at that. Haru giggled as well, making Legosi's ears perk up. "What?" He asked. She offered him a mischievous smile, "It's a neat novelty to think I dated a hybrid for a brief period of time." Legosi laughed at that, causing Haru to laugh wholeheartedly as well.

When they calmed down, Haru climbed onto the table to be eye level with him. She took his face in her hands and offered a sweet smile, "When you're here, don't feel like you need to hide them. The scales are a part of you and you are my friend." Legosi's tail wagged happily behind him. He was so relieved by her words that his own words wouldn't be able to describe the sensation.

He pulled her into a hug, making her laugh again. "Thank you, Haru. You're an amazing friend." She smiled waiting till he put her down again to look over his arms once more. The sun caught the scales at just the right angle, making them shine. She smiled at the sight, glad to know that Legosi was at least taking care of himself despite the change. He beamed back at her as she continued to admire them.

This also allowed him some more sunlight directly onto the scales, which got cold so easily. It felt really nice.

"You said Louis knew. How'd he react?" She asked softly, pulling Legosi from his thoughts once more. "He took it better than I thought and reassured me that he does still love me. I mean, he met my grandpa before, so he knew I was a hybrid. We just hadn't expected this sudden change." Haru nods. "Good! If he was being a douchebag about it, I would've marched into his office and dickpunched him!" Legosi broke out into laughter, a deep laughter that came out of the pits of his stomach.

Haru gave him a triumphant look. "Good, I like when you're happy, but I'm completely serious about punching him. He can be quite something at times." Legosi chuckled as be calmed down before saying, "I know, Haru. No one is perfect though, but he's close enough in my eyes." Haru rolled her eyes but it melted into a laugh of her own. "That was so cheesy." Legosi smiled at her and she smiled back. For a moment she couldn't help but wonder when he'd turned into this mature animal. Just this morning, she could've sworn he was still the nervous kid from the drama club she met back at school.

Chapter Text

It was a warm summer afternoon, Juno had convinced him to go to a park with her. She skipped a few steps ahead of him, talking animatedly about how great dating Haru has been going.

Legosi kept a steady pace after her, his hands stuck deep into his pockets and the sleeves of his shirt securely pulled as far down as they could go. At this point it was way too warm to be wearing long sleeves, even with his newfound constant cold feeling, but they were in public and he'd no doubt get trouble if his arms were visible.

"So, how's it going with you and Louis?" Juno asked as she found a shaded spot under a large tree to sit down. Legosi settled beside her on the bench and thanked the breeze that ruffled his fur for the slight relief.

"It's been going good. Louis was talking about taking a couple weeks off and going on vacation. Somewhere near a beach would be amazing." Legosi said, his tail wagging idly. He wasn't sure why Juno still insisted they spend time together, as if they were friends. She had plenty of wolf friends that would make for better conversation and Legosi knew that.

They talked a little longer, until Juno brought up what she really seemed to want to talk about. "Do you have any advice for dating Haru? You guys used to date back in high-school, so I figured you'd be a good person to ask. She and I have only been dating for a couple months, so I'd like some advice!" Legosi had to take a moment to catch up to what Juno was asking and another to figure out a response.

"Uhm, do you mean advice on dating a herbivore? Cause you've dated Louis before, so you should know on that front. Or do you mean advice on dating Haru specifically?" Legosi asked, not really sure how to go about the question. It was slightly odd.

"About dating Haru specifically! Duh!" Juno responded, not stopping her animated movements or tone. Legosi chuckled nervously, "Juno... Haru and I dated for a year and went on two dates and kissed once. I don't think I can help you. Besides, you two have already done so much more in the few months you've been dating."

Juno puffed up her cheeks, but she had to admit that Legosi had a point. A blatantly obvious point that she should have known before dragging the large male out to a random park. Her attention then went to the thin, brown, long sleeved shirt he was wearing and her features turned from pouting to confused.

"Aren't you overheated? I mean, I'm working up a sweat and I'm wearing a tanktop and shortskirt." She asked, pointing at his jeans and shirt. Legosi nervously chuckled. He should have known she would pick up on it, just like everyone else in this blistering heat that were giving him odd looks. He was used to the odd looks though, because those people weren't brave enough to walk up to his scarred self and ask questions, like Juno was doing.

"Uh... uhm...I-" Legosi stuttered, sighing and deciding on trying to sidestep this conversation. "It's a long story." He said, scratching his neck and looking away. Juno bristled, "You're still a really bad liar. We evidently have all afternoon, seeing as Louis and Haru went for a spa day." Legosi sighed, uselessly wishing he could've gone with Louis instead of being here, in this awkward situation.

Juno's features softened, "You know you can talk to me, right? Weren't you the one who said it was good to spend time with your own species, back in high-school?" Legosi deflated even more, "That's just what we were taught in biology class." His ears lowered and his voice sounded more like a whine.

Juno wouldn't seem to let up on him and leaned closer. "Are you hurting yourself? Did you get into another fight?!" Legosi gently pushed her away by her shoulder to get some semblance of personal space back. Her questions seem to strike a nerve in him that didn't happen back when Louis asked the same things. "No, why does everyone think I'm either fighting again or hurting myself? I'm doing neither of those!"

He was so annoyed by her accusations that he didn't realise his hand was still on her shoulder, but she noticed. She grabbed his wrist and turned to push her back into his side so he couldn't pull his arm away. Legosi was clearly panicking, if she had to guess from the way he was struggling to get his arm out of her grip. He didn't want to hurt her though and it seemed the only way he was getting his arm back was if he used enough force to do just that.

She pulled his sleeve up to just below his elbow and then froze. Her victory had been short lived and replaced with dread the moment she saw the solid patch of green scales running the length of his inner arm. She gasped and let go of him, getting up and standing a few feet away from him, staring in what Legosi could only guess was horror. This was why he had asked Haru not to tell Juno and why he really didn't want the female wolf to find out.

"Happy now?" Legosi asked, more annoyed than before. Juno still had a look on her face that was reminiscent of how animals had looked at Melon and Legosi hated it. It was a mix of fear and abstract hatred. "You're a hybrid? A bloody HYBRID?!" She screamed at him. He quickly looked around and pulled his sleeve back down to cover the scales. There was barely anyone around and the ones that were, were far enough to not hear them.

"Why didn't you tell me?! I would've stopped bugging you back when we met if I'd have known!" Juno went on. Legosi let out a growl, the undertone of a reptilian hiss sneaking into the sound. "Sure, and have you blabber about it to everyone?! If anyone had known in school and Rex forbid a teacher or the headmaster learned about it, I would've been expelled!" He had to resist the urge to jump to his feet and get up in her face about it. Doing that could result in the police being called, but Juno was making it so difficult.

"It wouldn't have made a difference! You dropped out anyway!" She breathed heavily and Legosi noted he hadn't felt this angry since the confrontation with Riz. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from doing something irrational in public. Juno's obsession with purity reminded Legosi much of how his mother viewed the world and he was still mad at Leano for it, which seemed to be turning into anger at Juno for the exact same thing.

"Does Louis know?" She suddenly asked, pulling Legosi out of his brooding. "What?" He asked, brows farrowing. "I said, does Louis know that you're a filthy hybrid?"

That was it. That was the last straw.

Legosi moved quicker than she'd ever seen a wolf move. He was up in her face, his arms wrapped around her back as if in a hug, but the way his long claws were digging into her back made his intentions clear. Juno started shaking.

"Of course Louis knows," Legosi's voice strained in a whisper, his tail stock still behind him. Juno's ears pulled back and her tail was tucked against her legs. "However, be bloody glad I don't have venom ducts." He let the threat simmer in the tense air between them. "Don't tell anyone about this." Legosi whispered close to her ear, before he pulled his claws away from her back.

Legosi didn't know where that came from or why he acted that way and he hoped to Rex that he wasn't turning into another Melon. He turned his back to Juno and said, in a too gentle and too calm tone, "Let's never do this again."

With that, he walked out of the park, leaving Juno frozen in place to stare at his back as he left. Legosi wanted to call Louis so badly at that moment. He needed to talk to someone about what happened. He needed that someone to reassure him that he wasn't a monster and that he wouldn't turn out like Melon.

He made it back to the house he shared with Louis in record time and stormed inside, slamming the door shut violently. Louis wasn't home yet and something inside Legosi was thankful for that. He stormed into their room and roughly pulled his shirt off, falling onto the bed.

He pulled his pillow to his face and screamed into it. When his throat felt raw and his anger turned to sadness, he pulled his face out of his pillow and grabbed his phone. The only animal he wanted to talk to right now, was his grandfather. Juno's reaction was inevitable. Someone would've reacted negatively and he knew that. Not everyone was going to be as accepting as Louis and his grandfather had been, but it still broke his heart and left him feeling way too many things.

The phone rang and it wasn't long until the deep voice on the other side answered, settling his emotions, if only a little bit. "Legosi?" "Hey Grandpa." His voice cracked and immediately Gosha knew something was up. "Are you okay?" The old Komodo asked. Legosi felt more tears run down his face, but the sounds of construction work from the other side of the call reminded Legosi of the time of day. "Sorry, are you busy? I could call later." Legosi offered, rubbing his tears off on the pillow. "I'm actually on lunch, don't worry about that. What's wrong, kiddo?"

The effectionate tone and nickname made him come undone even more. Legosi pushed himself up on his elbows and stared at the scales on his arms, his peripheral catching sight of the patches of scales that had begun forming on the back of his shoulders in the mirror to his left. He opened his mouth and like a dam spilling over, he told his grandfather everything  that had happened that afternoon with Juno.

"I don't want to be like Melon..." Legosi whimpered into the phone, sniffling, "What happened scared me... what if..  what if I react like that to everyone who ends up being rude about it... I shouldn't have gotten that angry..." His tears turned his words to senseless sobbing. Gosha was just left to try and console the broken wolf over the phone. "It's okay, Legosi. She shouldn't have been so rude about it... she could've handled it better as well, instead of making you out to be a monster."

Legosi sniffed, rubbing his eyes, "What if I do become a monster though? What if I become like Melon?" Gosha's breath audibly hitched on the other side of the phone. "What if I develop venom and accidentally kill someone one day?" Legosi went on, dissolving into soft sniffles as the emotions finally tired him out to his core. He could just lay there and sniffle.

Gosha let out a soft sigh, knowing it was just all the emotions over the situation finally becoming too much for his little pup. It brought back the memory of how Legosi cried and shut himself off from the world when his mother died. It was horrible and almost brought the old Komodo to tears. He took a deep breath and said, "Legosi, you are not a monster. You will not -become- a monster." Gosha swallowed down a mouthful of venom and had to move to a more secluded place, away from his co-workers.

"The fact that you are as torn up about what happened tells me that much. So you got a little mad and upset, it's only a natural reaction to being treated that way. Please, breathe. You are okay, you are going to be okay. So you lost one friend, last time I checked, you said you didn't like spending time with her anyway." Legosi sniffed more, his tail wagging apprehensively behind him at the words. A few more silent tears escaped his eyes, but he had to admit that Gosha was right.

He wiped his eyes before saying, "Thanks grandpa, you always know just what to say." He sniffed again and Gosha's tone was gentle once more as he spoke, "There you go, now take a shower, drink some water and eat something. I'll drop by after my shift ends with something to cheer you up some more." They said their goodbyes and Legosi hung up.

He was still shaking, but he felt better after crying and talking through it. He did as Gosha had said and drank some water and took a shower. For once, the thought of eating wasn't appealing and the nauseous feeling in his stomach wasn't going to allow him that pleasure.

°°°°°

Louis got home later that night, slowly opening the door. He didn't know what state he'd find Legosi in. Legosi had shuffled over and pulled Louis into a tight hug, burying his snout in Louis' neck and whimpering.

"I heard what happened," Louis said, a whine being his only response. "Juno called Haru about it... they ended up fighting over the phone. Haru is pissed at Juno over how she reacted." Legosi just whined again. Louis started carefully maneuvering them both over to the couch. "Apparently Juno wants Haru to stay away from you. I don't really know what you did, but it really scared her."

They carefully shifted and ended up laying on the couch, Louis on his back with his head resting on the armrest, while Legosi laid on top of him, his head on his chest and his ears placed flat on his head. "I said she could be glad I didn't have venom ducts. I didn't mean to threaten her... it just came out!" Legosi's eyes brimmed with tears again and Louis felt his heart break.

Louis ran his hands through Legosi's fur, ruffling the fluffier spots around his ears and cheeks. "Haru still likes you and I promise you, this outburst doesn't effect how much I love you." Legosi tightened his grip on Louis and whined again.

°°°°°

A knock sounded at the door and then a key turned. Gosha stepped into the house and locked the door behind him. Louis looked over his shoulder as best he could. "Gosha?" He asked. Gosha put down a bag he had with him on the table and walked over to the livingroom, where Legosi was still laying on Louis, still no shirt on but considering the heat, Gosha couldn't blame him.

"Sorry, I'm a little trapped right now," Louis said with a small smile. Gosha chuckled and sat down on the armchair. "I see that. Did he tell you then?" Louis shook his head, "No, not really. I overheard some of it from Juno's girlfriend, Haru, but Legosi hasn't spoken in over an hour." Gosha nods, looking at his grandson. Legosi was fast asleep on top of Louis, holding Louis in a death grip around his waist.

"He called me, all messed up and explained," Gosha said, sitting back in his chair as he explained what Legosi had told him. By the end of it, Louis looked to be somewhere between sad for Legosi and very angry at Juno. Gosha let out a soft sigh, "I brought some egg salad sandwiches to cheer him up a bit." Louis nods thankfully, "Thanks, I haven't really been able to do anything for dinner yet." He sighed as well, "I'll call in and take a day off tomorrow to look after him. He's gonna be in a slump for a few days, isn't he?" Gosha nodded solemnly.

Later, when Legosi finally woke up, Gosha managed to talk him into letting go of Louis and eating something. Louis took the opportunity to take a shower and joined them at the dining room table afterwards. Legosi and Gosha had been talking and eating their sandwiches the whole time and Legosi seemed to relax a little more when Louis joined them.

Chapter Text

Jack and Legosi rush into the apartment, laughing like children. "It's raining waterfalls out there!" Jack wheezes out as he locks his apartment door. They had just been walking around after getting lunch when the weather turned on them and started raining excessively.

"No kidding," Legosi giggles out. Jack slips out of his bomber jacket and opens a closet in the hallway, grabbing two towels. He throws one at Legosi before using the other to dry his own head off. Legosi hesitates for a second to take his jacket off, drying his ears and head carefully.

He'd only put on a simple t-shirt today, since they would've been out all day and were wearing jackets. He'd have to tell Jack eventually anyway, but remembering how Juno reacted, Legosi felt somber about what could possibly happen.

He let out a soft sigh and slipped out of his jacket, hanging it next to Jack's by the door. He dried his hands and then smiled to Jack, who was still drying his ears a few steps away from Legosi.

"You can give me the towel to go put them away and maybe turn on the kettle? Some tea would be killer right about now!" Jack happily stated. Legosi nods and hands the wet towel over to Jack, who seemed too distracted to notice the scales.

Legosi relaxes a bit when Jack runs down the hallway to his room. He turns into the small kitchen and heads towards the kettle, turning it on and grabbing some cups from the cupboard. This wasn't the first time he's been in Jack's apartment, so he knew where everything was.

He'd just put the cups down and turned to grab the jar of teabags when Jack happily bounced into the kitchen and sat at the table. "So how's your job at the noodle place going?" Jack asked, tail still happily wagging. "Good, I guess. Everyone is still super nice." Legosi answered.

The kettle finished boiling and Legosi poured them some tea, picking up the cups and heading over to the small table. He placed one of the cups in front of Jack and that's when the labrador saw it. The golden hand moved faster than Legosi has ever seen it move, grabbing ahold of his wrist. Legosi swallowed the lump that jumped into his throat.

"Legosi... are those-?" Jack cut himself off, following the curve of the grey and green arm up to meet Legosi's eyes. Legosi looked away quickly, swallowing once more before he nods. Jack took a deep, slow breath.

Legosi beat him to the talking though, "They started to form a couple months ago. Grandpa knows about them, so do Louis and Haru." He wasn't going to tell Jack about Juno unless he absolutely had to. Jack let go of Legosi's wrist, sensing his friend's discomfort at the situation. Legosi was silently thankful for Jack's perceptiveness.

Legosi sat down next to Jack at the table, taking a sip of his tea. Jack offered a small smile, "You aren't isolating yourself, so that's a good sign at least." Legosi shrugged, "I wanted to, really badly, but it started as just a small patch that I could hide. It's getting more difficult to hide." Jack nods understandingly.

"May I see them again?" Jack carefully asks. Legosi bites the inside of his lip but places his arm within Jack's reach. Jack took hold of his wrist again, gentler this time, and took a closer look at the solid green of his inner arm.

The scales reminded Jack so much of Gosha's own when they were kids and he'd spend the day with Legosi and his grandfather, holding onto those giant green hands when they crossed a street. Jack still felt safe with Legosi, he realised, and a smile spread across his face.

"They're pretty," Jack said in a gentle voice. Legosi's ears perked up, "Does that mean you still want to be friends?" Jack's head jerked up to look at Legosi's face again. "Of course! Why wouldn't I still wanna be friends with you?" Legosi bit his tongue for a moment and then sighed, "Because it's starting to show that I'm a hybrid and just like with Louis, it could damage your reputation."

Jack frowned and let go of Legosi's wrist to instead cup his face in soft golden hands. "Legosi, listen to me and listen good. I've known you were a hybrid since I met Gosha at our first playdate. I didn't care then, and I don't care now. I've stuck around through some tough times in your life and this-" He gestures with his head to Legosi's scales, "isn't gonna make me run for the hills now. You're still my best friend and that's not gonna change for something like this."

Tears built up in Legosi's pinprick eyes and he started shaking a little. Next thing Jack knows, he's caught up in a very tight hug from Legosi, who's sniffling and tucked against his shoulder. Jack lets out a soft chuckle and hugs Legosi back, letting his arms slide down to rest on Legosi's shoulders. He could feel the scales on Legosi's shoulders under the thin shirt the wolf had on.

It took a good five minutes for Legosi to calm down enough to let Jack go ever so slightly. "Thanks Jack." Jack smiled at the wolf, tails wagging happily. He wiped the last couple tears off Legosi's face. "Anytime buddy." When they finally returned to their tea, it had gone cold, but neither really cared.

"Is there any way I could help you?" Jack asked in a gentle tone. Legosi glanced to his arms and hesitated, but then said, "Don't tell anyone else, please. Very few animals know at this point and I'm not sure if I'm ready to tell the others." Jack nods affirmingly. "I promise, Lego-face." They both smile at the old nickname.

Jack carefully reaches for Legosi's arm again and when Legosi holds it out to him, he takes it and carefully runs his fingers along the scales. "Does it feel different than where the fur is?" He asked, tilting his head to the side. Legosi shrugs, "A little bit. When they grow the skin is really sensitive but after a couple days, sensations aren't much different from the skin where fur is." Jack nods diligently while listening.

"It must make buying soaps difficult." Jack mentions as an afterthought. Legosi smiles, relaxing at the easy atmosphere that still stays between them. "Not really. I figured out which ones work pretty quickly, plus grandpa gave me some tips on which products are the best to use. I do take twice as long to shower though, cause I have to use different soaps for the scales than for my normal fur." Jack nods along as he listens yet again.

From how Legosi was talking, he assumes the wolf is taking it better than Leano had and he doesn't seem to hate Gosha, like he did back when his mother died. It was a relief to know the change wasn't causing Legosi's depression to come back again.

"You don't have to hide them when we're alone, okay?" Jack said, offering Legosi a wide smile. Legosi chuckled, "Funny, Haru said the same thing." Jack allowed himself to laugh along with Legosi over the little comparison. When they calmed down, Jack seems to think of something that makes him worried.

"We agreed to meet the other 701 boys at B-strike in two weeks for some fun. How are you going to hide it from them?" Jack asks gently, watching Legosi's face closely for any changes in his emotions. Legosi offers a tired smile, "I'll just wear a long sleeved shirt. It's what I've been doing to hide it from everyone else. I don't know if I'll be comfortable enough to tell them before then, or even then." Jack nods, pulling Legosi into another hug that the wolf happily returns.

When they parted, Jack asked, "Want to watch a movie? We can't go out in that weather again and maybe Louis could come pick you up after work?" Legosi smiles and nods. "A movie sounds great, Jack. I'll text Louis and ask him if he'd pick me up." Jack nods happily, tail wagging faster than before. "And some canine-safe hot chocolate?" Legosi's tail picks up speed as well, "Always".

Jack makes them hot chocolate from a brand that was canine safe and Legosi digs in the hallway closet for some fluffy blankets they could snuggle up in on the couch while they watched the movie.

Soon enough, Jack brings two hot cups into the livingroom, finding Legosi already curled up underneath a blanket on the couch, texting on his phone. Jack hands him one of the cups and puts the other one down so he could snuggle up under the blanket that was left for him. He picks up his hot chocolate afterwards and leans into Legosi's side as he channel surfs until they find a channel playing some comedy movie.

Three movies later, the weather was still raging and the two found themselves in a two animal dog pile, blankets included, talking and laughing like old times. It reminded Jack of when they'd have sleepovers at Gosha's house and would watch movies into the early morning hours, only to fall asleep on the couch and wake up whenever Gosha started moving around the place.

A notification almost makes the two jump out of their skin. Apparently Louis was parked outside and Legosi could go. After another tight hug, a reiterated promise to stay friends and fast wagging tails, Legosi had his coat on again and was out the door. He ran to the black car parked outside and got into the passenger seat, ducking to keep from hitting his head in the herbivore sized car. Louis kissed him hello and they were on their way back to their own house.

"How'd your day with Jack go?" Louis asks lightheartedly. Legosi smiles, tail thudding against the centre console. "Great! I told him about the scales and he was really nice about it." Louis smiled at his boyfriend, thankful Jack had such a good reaction to the situation. If he hadn't, well Louis would've had some choice words for the Labrador.

Chapter Text

Legosi walked into the Udon Noodle Shop for his usual shift. He greeted Sunaga, a Barn Owl and his boss, as he passed him on his way to the kitchen.

Legosi smiled and waved his hellos to Donson, the Stoat waiter, Mika, the African Loin waitress and Thomas, the Raccoon chef. He himself did all of these jobs on a busy day, sometimes he'd help cook or waiter and other times he had to do deliveries. He didn't mind it at all though, he quite enjoyed his job.

The morning rush went by quickly enough and while Thomas and Donson were taking a quick break outside, Legosi had offered to do the dishes. He didn't mind, but with the scales situation these days, he preferred to do the dishes when the others weren't in his immediate space. That was a bit of a problem considering the kitchen wasn't that big.

He hummed softly as he did the dishes, his tail lazily wagging behind him. He placed a plate on the drying rack to dry off later. His ears perked at the sound of footsteps and he shoved his hands deeper into the water to cover the scales. Mika clapped him on the shoulder, "How's it going, Legosi?" She asked friendly enough. He shrugged and offered a small smile, "It's fine, I suppose."

She grinned, "And you and that CEO?" Legosi's cheeks flushed, "I mean, we're doing better than ever. Haven't had any complications in our relationship." Mika chuckled at his flustered look. "Good, good." Legosi had been absently continuing to wash the dishes. Mika grabbed a drying towel and started drying the ones that were already cleaned and putting them away.

Legosi moved his hand and placed a cup on the drying rack, just as Mika reached for another thing to dry off. "What's that on your arm?" She asked casually, making Legosi internally panic. He shoved his arm back into the water, "Nothing, probably just some leftover food from the plates in the sink." Mika clicked her tongue, "Well, you wouldn't get food on your arm if you didn't stick them so deep into the sink!" Legosi nervously chuckled.

Mika put the towel down and moved over, grabbing Legosi by his hips and pulling him away from the sink, "Seriously, you don't need your hands that deep in the water, let me show you." Legosi's stomach sank as he was forcefully moved away from the sink and Mika rounded him. She froze in place when she saw the scales.

Legosi gulped and his ears flattened against his head. This was it, he was going to lose his job. "Mika, I-I can explain," Legosi stuttered, subconsciously trying to cover his inner arms with his big hands. "You're a hybrid?" He couldn't quite read her tone, but it didn't seem malicious, so that was something. His ears stayed pinned to his head though.

"Y-yeah. P-please don't tell the others!" Mika tilted her head at him, "Why not?" He still couldn't pinpoint her thoughts towards it and it was starting to unnerve him more.

"Don't tell us what?" Thomas asked as he and Donson came back into the kitchen. Legosi immediately tucked his arms against his body, scales hidden by the contact. "N-nothing!" He yelled nervously. Mika frowned, "Apparently he's a hybrid." "What?" Thomas and Donson ask simultaneously. Legosi held his hands towards Mika in a distressed manner, "Mika!"

Mika still seemed confused as to why he didn't want the other two to know. "Holy shit, you are!" Donson said in surprise, eyeing the scales from his low vantage point. "I knew this place took just about anybody who wants a job, but I didn't think they'd take Hybrids," Thomas grumbled, clearly disliking the fact. Legosi got more and more nervous the more they spoke. He was on the edge of a bloody panic attack when Sunaga walked into the kitchen.

"What's all the noise back here?" He asked, walking over to them. Thomas and Donson moved out of the owl's way. "Legosi is a hybrid," Mika said casually. Legosi had decided by now that since she wasn't outwardly rude to him about it, that she wasn't bothered by it.

"Really?" Sunaga hooted and looked to Legosi. Legosi fiddled with his hands and looked down, shifting his arms to show Sunaga. "I'll uh, get my stuff and go." He said sadly. Sunaga frowned, "And why would you need to do that?" Legosi frowned in turn, his ears perking ever so slightly. "Aren't you going to fire me? I'm a hybrid!"

Sunaga shook his head, "Regardless of that, you at least have a good work ethic. Just tell me this: Are you still sound of mind and could this effect your performance?" Legosi seemed slightly taken back by the questions. The other three were listening intently. "Yeah, my mind is fine and so far it hasn't interrupted how I work." Sunaga nods and smiles, "Then you can keep working here, just have your arms covered when you do waitering." He nods, his tail wagging happily.

Sunaga turned towards the other three, "And any of you who have a problem with it, are welcome to resign and leave. Don't give him shit either or I'll fire you." Sunaga said, giving a pointed glare at the clearly displeased raccoon. Thomas deflated instantly and nodded.

"Now then, back to work!" Sunaga said before leaving the kitchen. Thomas skulked back to his station, while Donson offered a smile. The stoat placed a hand gently on Legosi's outer arm, where the fur was, and said, "I'm just surprised, but don't worry, I don't mind." Legosi offered a smile and a nod, glad Donson was nice about it.

Mika offered a smile as well, "See, nothing to worry about." Legosi rolled his eyes but chuckled anyway. "If you don't mind me asking, what's the other part?" She asked, gesturing towards the scales, "I mean, we can tell you're part reptile, but what kind?" Legosi shook his head, deciding they didn't need to know that, or he risked actually getting fired for potentially being venomous. "I'd rather not say." Legosi hummed, bristling a little before going back to finishing the dishes.

Mika let out a sigh, but she didn't want to pressure him about it. He'd tell them if he ever felt comfortable enough. So she went back to doing her job as well. The rest of the day went surprisingly well and it helped that Legosi had three deliveries to do. It gave him the chance to catch a breath of fresh air. His coworkers would give him random questions every now and again and he'd answer the ones that he felt weren't too invasive, which seemed to break the tension the initial discovery had created.

Chapter Text

"You haven't told them yet?" Jack asked as he and Legosi walked towards the park where they'd be meeting up with the rest of the 701 guys. Even after years of being done with school, they still referred to their pack by that name.

"No, and if all goes well, they won't find out today either. Just, don't say anything, okay." Legosi asked and Jack nodded, "Okay, but at least be careful to not get heatstroke with that winter shirt." Legosi nods, "I'll be sure of it, no worries, buddy." Jack nods.

Their tails pick up in speed as they approach the group of canines waiting for them. The other four ran at them and they all ended up in a big group hug, tails wagging like crazy.

"You guys ready for B-Strike!" Voss yelled from atop Collot's shoulder. The others all happily barked and yipped. "Then what are waiting for? Let's go!" Voss insisted. They all laughed but started making their way towards the familiar building, just a 15 minute walk from the park they met up in.

Once they got there, everyone changed into some more comfortable clothes to play and run in. Legosi kept his shirt on, but exchanged his jeans for shorts. Jack gave him a worried glance while the others weren't looking.

About an hour passed of them playing tug-of-war and chasing tennis balls that the machine shot. Legosi panted heavily, taking a seat by his backpack and grabbing a bottle of water. He really overestimated how much of this he could handle before he got tired. He was also lightly surprised to find he could sweat where the scales are.

Collot spotted him and walked over, "Hey man, you okay?" He hunched down near Legosi, who was sitting on the floor against the wall. "Yeah, just a little overheated is all," Legosi responded, taking another sip of water. Collot frowned, "Well, it's probably that shirt you're wearing. I've got an extra tanktop in my bag if you want it?" He offered.

Legosi smiled at his friend, and as appreciative as he was that Collot offered, he really couldn't. "No, it's fine. Don't worry about it. I'll just catch my breath and then join in with you guys again." Collot frowned and if his ears hadn't moved, Legosi wouldn't have noticed it due to his fringe.

Collot tilted his head, "Don't be crazy, Lego. If you're suddenly self conscious, need I remind you we shared a dormroom for 5 years." Legosi chuckled nervously. Their chat seemed to have attracted Jack's attention and, by extention, that of Durham and Miguno.

"Yeah, no need to be shy, we've seen it all before," Durham commented. Jack saw the distress on his friend's face and jumped in to help him, "C'mon guys, just let him be. He's just being his usual self." They regarded Jack's words but then shrugged it off and kept trying to encourage Legosi to just take the tanktop.

Jack could feel the distress radiating off Legosi at this point and still tried to get the others to back off, but they weren't having it.

"Why are you even wearing a winter shirt in the middle of summer?" "Yeah, you used to be the one that always got overheated the fastest." "It's kind of stupid!" Voss hopped up onto Jack's shoulder and got into the conversation as well, having just returned from the bathroom. "What are you trying to hide?" He meant it as a joke when he asked, but it seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Legosi moved, quicker than they've ever seen him, to stand at his full height, which even gave him half a head on Collot, a sneer on his lips. "How about you four just mind your damn business and let me do my thing?!" He snarled at them and all four reeled back, even Jack gulped and took a step back from him. "Legosi, buddy, you're scaring us here." Jack gently reminded, not being able to keep the fear from his voice.

He wasn't afraid because of Legosi being a hybrid, he was afraid cause Legosi was big and had teeth much larger than all of them, not to mention what happened when the market was taken down years ago. Legosi could tear them to shreds in seconds and they were all aware of it.

Legosi seemed to regain his composure, his hands pulling into fists before flexing and then he slouched down again. "Sorry. Sorry, guys." He grabbed his bag and went to make for the exit, when Collot and Durham grabbed ahold of his wrist and sleeve respectively. "It's okay, Legosi. You don't have to go." Voss jumped from Jack's shoulder up to Legosi's and said, "Yeah  big guy. We shouldn't have pressured you." "Just, talk to us, man. We're worried. Is something wrong?"

Legosi halted and had to think. Did he really want to risk telling them? He could potentially lose all of them, but... Jack would still be there. He could go on if all he had left was Jack. He let out a sigh and twisted his wrist from their grip. Voss had to hold onto his ear to keep from being flung off by the action.

"Okay, okay, but... It's been eating at me a bit, since animals don't take too kindly to what I'm about to tell you guys." They all seemed to perk up and listen. Jack gave him a reassuring smile and a thumbs up.

Legosi took a deep breath and said, "So I'm technically a hybrid." A momentary decision told him they deserved to know the full truth. "My grandpa is a Komodo Dragon, and recently, I've started to show signs of this." He gulped and slowly pulled up his sleeves to show them the scales, "Scales have been showing up on my arms and shoulders over the last three months."

He finished it there, holding his arms out to show them the scales. His ears were drooped down against his head and his tail had completely curled around his left leg. Their stunned silence wasn't helping the dread in his mind.

Voss ruffled the hair between Legosi's ears and said, "Damn, I suspected you might be some form of hybrid since you're so much bigger than other wolves, but I never expected this." He said before using Legosi's sleeve to climb down and stand on Legosi's arm, just beyond the bend of his elbow. He hunched down and gently touched the scales, a touch so light that Legosi couldn't even feel it.

The other three had crowded closer to get a better look at the scales, all taking in the information like it was rocket science. Collot was the next to dare reach out and touch the scales. His hands were surprisingly soft for a guy who as working a mechanic job these days. "Wow, damn. Now I get why you were so nervous, that's wild!" Legosi relaxed a little from the way they responded. It was a very honest relief.

Collot moved to make place for Durham and Miguno, while Voss jumped over to Collot's shoulder. Miguno and Durham each took an arm to inspect, curious, albeit skeptical. A lot has happened in a short while. The hyena's hands were rough to the touch from playing guitar for so many years and the coyote's hands were oddly gentle for someone who usually put very little thought into his actions.

"To say I'm surprised is an understatement," Miguno hummed, following the scales with his eyes until they disappeared under fabric, "But, that doesn't change that I care for you and that we're still friends." He offered Legosi a smile and the wolf smiled back, relief washing over him. Now it was just Durham.

Durham was messing with the line where scales met fur and moving the fur aside to see if there were more scales underneath. There was a deepset frown on his forehead, "It's weird, but we're used to you being a little weird, it makes the weirdness make a bit more sense though." His frown dissolved and turned into a lopsided smile, making Legosi's smile turn from nervous to fully relaxed.

Tears started falling from his eyes and Legosi used his free hand to wipe them away. "Thanks guys, I was so... so worried you'd hate me and push me away," his words dissolved into quiet sniffling after that. It only took a second before he could feel Jack hugging him, then Durham and Miguno and then Collot wrapped his long arms around the whole group. Voss also leaned over to hug the side of Legosi's face.

The sniffling turned to chuckling and soon all tails were back to wagging. The hug lasted longer than any they've shared before and when they parted, Legosi felt lighter, happier.

A taktop hit his chest and he caught it before it fell. "Now change into that, and let's play some more!" Collot called, making them all laugh. Legosi smiled, still a little nervous to just let the scales be visible, especially in a place as public as B-Strike, but he was going to try because they were giving him the chance.

He quickly pulled his shirt off and threw it on top of his bag, pulling the tanktop on. He overheard Voss talking to Jack. "You don't seem too surprised, Jackaboy." Jack chuckled and covered his mouth, "Lego-face and I have been friends since we were kids. I've met his grandpa and he told me about the scales two weeks ago."

Durham and Miguno's eyes widen at the statement. "You've known for two weeks?! Why didn't you tell us? Why didn't Legosi tell us earlier." Legosi coughed, "I was nervous, okay. I asked Jack to keep it a secret from you guys." They shared a look and then shook their heads, "Alright, we can understand that."

Collot walked up behind him and clapped Legosi on the shoulder, letting his soft hands rest on the patch of scales there, "See man, you look fine. Nothing to worry about." Legosi chuckled nervously again, "If you say so."

They started playing again, this time Legosi didn't get winded so fast and he was oddly amused by the feeling of the faux grass against his scales when he and Collot tripped over each and landed in a pile. They laughed and Collot helped him up. He really was thankful they didn't mind the change and he found himself having fun like old times, as if they were back in high-school on a weekend getaway, playing without any reason to worry.

He and the other five were running after a tennis ball, when it bounced up and landed on a high window sill. Usually when that happened, he or Collot would pick the other one up and retrieve it, but this time, without thinking, Legosi jumped after it. He was confused and surprised to find that he was staying on the wall. He grabbed the ball with his mouth and pushed himself away from the wall, landing on all fours on the ground.

The other five were staring at him wide eyed, "Gee Rex, Legosi! We didn't know you could do that!" Miguno said, the others nodding along to his words. Legosi chuckled nervously, taking the ball out of his mouth to instead hold in his hand. "I... didn't know I'd stick to walls either. That kind of just... happened. I've also only seen my grandpa do it once, so I didn't really think to try it." They joined in laughing with him, relaxing the pressure once more.

That was the only odd incident during the day and after their time was up, they changed back into their original clothes, Legosi pulling on his long sleeved shirt again, and went out for milkshakes. Legosi had asked them to be inconspicuous about it when they were out in public and his old roommates happily obliged. They shared some more laughs over the milkshakes and didn't separate for their own homes until deep into the night.