Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“I forgive you Bill.” Legoshi quietly said as he fiddled with the large supertrooper lamp in the drama club back room. Bill had been with him helping him pack large lighting equipment away with Durham whilst Jack helped with the repairs, passing tools and pieces as Legoshi asked. Dom, Kibi and Riz had also been packing equipment for the festival, though the latter two had finished and been discussing taking Tao to the festival. Whilst banned from the festival itself Legoshi had insisted on helping the club pack and then move it all to the grounds.

Bill stared, dropping the large box of fairy lights he’d been carrying. The cheerful little tune Jack had been humming also halted, though the small smile on the dog’s face was still present as was the gentle wag of this tail. The clothing rack Dom had just been moving clunked against the wall softly as the peacock stopped and watched.  

Bill closed his mouth, realising it had dropped open. “What?” He asked, staring at the wolf. His gut, his whole self was twisted by Legoshi’s words.

Looking up from the lamp, Legoshi gave him a large smile for the hybrid, reptilian eyes locking on Bill as he put down the comically small screwdriver he had been using. “For my back. I started the fight and you didn’t intend to, for, well everything that happened. And you’ve been so good to me afterwards. You were an asshole a lot but…. You had your own issues you were struggling with. You haven’t talked about girls as if they were objects once since you came out! It’s nice spending time with you now that you are not.. trying so hard, that’s right phrase Jack isn’t it?” Legoshi quietly but firmly stated, going into that adorable look of confusion at the end and glancing to Jack who nodded in agreement.

Durham cut in. “Are you sure about this Legoshi?” The coyote asked, concerned but not angry. Bill’s world had shrunk down to the wolf.

Legoshi turned and nodded towards Durham as he stood up. “Yes. I’m a hybrid. I have scales like Bill has stripes. It would have likely happened eventually. We all have our daemons and Bill.. Bill has been working on his Durham, he shines brilliantly when his guilt isn’t drowning him.” Legoshi softly explained as he walked over to Bill. Smiling, Legoshi continued, oh so softly. “I’m sorry for starting the fight Bill. I disagreed about the blood… but I attacked you thinking it would absolve my own guilt. I forgive you Bill.” Legoshi was in front of him now, and Bill blinked.

“Th, thank you Legoshi.” Bill muttered out, cringing inwardly at the pathetic way he accepted Legoshi’s forgiveness.

Legoshi’s head cocked to the side in confusion, concern clear in those reptilian eyes. “Bill you are crying, what’s wrong?” The wolf asked, voice laden with worry.

Bill blinked away the tears, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “N, nothing.. Just.. just doesn’t feel like a filthy cat like me deserves it you kno-“ Bill’s explanation was cut off by the wolf hugging him tightly.

Bill was unable to stop the loud chuff that erupted from his chest at the act. Or the warmth that flooded his body from being held by the wolf.

“I forgive you Bill. You’ve … you’ve taken responsibility for what you did. Done that and been trying to be better, are better. And I’ve been enjoying getting to know you Bill but…. If it’s healthy for me to stop flagellating myself surly it is also healthy for you to? I don’t want you hating yourself. Please.” Legoshi quietly explained, tightly holding him.

He didn’t know what to say. The dammed wolf was too soft and forgiving. Hesitantly, Bill returned the hug. Legoshi made a happy sounding small noise and Bill tightened his hold, chuffing loudly.

Gathering his thoughts, Bill replied, hating how his voice trembled. “Thank you. I still wish I’d never done it man.”

Legoshi released the hold slightly, moving backwards to look meet Bill in the eye, an almost shy smile on his face. “It… there is a good chance it may have occurred eventually Bill as I said. Mother may have hated them.. but I love them Bill, I always wanted jewels like grandfather. I forgive you Bill, let’s shine together okay?” The canine softly explained and it took everything Bill had to not kiss him, no matter how he desperately wished that last question had been meant how his heart wished it had.

Almost numb from conflicting emotions, Bill nodded his head affirmatively, and chuffed when Legoshi beamed at him in response. “I.. I’ll try Legoshi. I’d like that.” He replied.

Legoshi nodded to him, smiling. And was his tail was wagging? “Great! I know we normally do ice cream but there is a waffle place Tem recommend. It’s by the festival grounds so we could go there after we have helped everyone move stuff there?” The wolf asked, his voice more it’s usual awkward and uncertain tone with the last question.

“YES! Um, yes that would be great Legoshi!” Bill blurted out, Legoshi seeming to stand up to his full height, tail wagging.

Rex he was beautiful.

“Why don’t you guys run along now, take your time and join us after we have all set up, we should be okay without you guys so don’t worry!” Dom cut in eagerly.

Legoshi turned to the peacock. “Are you sure? I mean yes you have Riz but.. well almost everyone else is small.” The wolfly plainly stated.

Dom crossed his arms and then flamboyantly waved Legoshi off with his left hand. “It will take a little bit longer but the rest of the club will be helping once we are there so we can manage. Go! Have a good time both of you! You boys deserve it.” Dom warmly said before stepping up to Legoshi and gently guiding the wolf to the door, twisting his head to Bill. “That’s both of you including you Bill now go before I order you to.” The stage team leader excitedly told Bill. He followed, though saw Kibi and Jack doing a strange little dance as he left.
---
Tao had helped him get dressed, his best friend reading way too much into it. Legoshi had forgiven him yes but he had just suggested the pancakes as he was worried about him. It wasn’t like the wolf had asked him out.

So Bill was in black jeans and a deep plum shirt that Bill couldn’t remember buying but Tao had pulled out of his wardrobe.

“Remember when Els and I took you shopping after realising you had nothing other than school stuff and polo tops.” Tao flatly said with a small smile, slowly blinking at him.

He’d then remembered, the two had practically used him as a mannequin for half a day.

Now he was running to the main entrance, sure he and Legoshi had just said to meet up after cleaning up and changing but he didn’t want to leave the wolf waiting. Not that it was a date. Just bros being bros. Friends enjoying food together, nothing romantic as much as he wished it otherwise.

Legoshi was standing by gate alongside Miguno. The wolf was in white linen trousers, dark ultramarine blue shirt, tan jacket and a long black scarf, and seemed at ease. The hyena was in the school tracksuit, and turned towards Bill just before Legoshi did. The wolf’s tail turned into a blur and Bill chuffed. Legoshi was happy to see him, maybe even excited from just how his tail was moving.

If Bill was honest with himself, it was all he’d ever really wanted from the Legoshi.

Miguno blatantly eyed him up and down, whistling out loud and smiling. “You’ve cleaned up nicely Bill. You guys have a good time, okay? And don’t stay out past midnight, Jack and Durham will worry otherwise.” The hyena happily said quickly before sprinting off.

It was just the two of them now.

Legoshi looked good and smiled at him. “Miguno was right you know Bill. You look good.”

Bill prayed Legoshi did not notice him blushing from the compliment, and that he would assume the chuffing was platonic, even if he did puff his chest out slightly. “Thanks, you too man! The scarf is new, it’s a cool style!” He replied, and for a moment Bill thought the canine blushed.

Legoshi stepped closer. “Thanks! It’s a present from the guys! They got the wool from Tem, Jack made it and the others dyed it. They didn’t want me getting cold even if it’s summer on account of my family history. It’s .. nice. I like it.” The hybrid explained, whispering the last part with a quiet glee that made Bill grin.

His reply was cut off by a shout.

“LEGOSHI! WAIT PLEASE LEGOSHI!”

Instantly, Legoshi hunched over, the ease and quite joy evaporating as they both turned in the direction of the voice. Bill grit his teeth, stepping between Legoshi and beast in the girls uniform running towards them.

Haru.

Again, she shouted. “Legoshi wait I need to talk to you!”

Bill glanced behind him. Legoshi was frozen, eyes closed and seemed to be taking breaths as if to calm himself. Was he trembling? Bill stepped back, so they were nearly touching and Legoshi took his hand, stepping behind him.

Haru reached them, bending over as she panted for breath. Some part of him whispered about exhausted prey being right in front of him, whispered about the blood he had tasted, but Bill dismissed it. He was better than that. Whilst Legoshi had forgiven him, listening to that dark side aspect of himself had led to Bill scarring Legoshi. Had almost ruined the dram club.

“Huh, huh, please, please can I talk to Legoshi. Alone please.”  The rabbit said between breaths before straightening up and looking at Bill briefly before focussing on Legoshi.

Bloody hell. No way, no matter what Legoshi said Bill was not going to lea-

“No Haru. Well, I will talk with you. But not alone. I.. after what you said I don’t think I’d be safe.” Legoshi stated melancholically, causing Bill to twist his head around staring at the hybrid.

“Please Legoshi. It’s personal. Your friend doesn’t kno-, it’s private.” The rabbit requested again firmly, drawing herself to her full height.

Legoshi shook his head sadly before speaking back, his voice slightly louder and stronger. “Anything you will say to me you can say in front of Bill. He knows Legoshi the Grey Wolf Hybrid fully. I don’t have anything to hide from him.” As if to reinforce it Legoshi squeezed his hand briefly.

Warmth flooded Bill. For all it was inappropriate for the situation, Legoshi trusting him like that in this situation made Bill giddy, happy even. Heck, he felt proud even that Legoshi seemed to find his presence reassuring.

Haru sighed, moving side to side, almost fidgeting before speaking, looking up to Legoshi. “I’m sorry. For what I said about your family. And you.” The rabbit blurted out loudly.

Sorry? Sorry didn’t cover it! she hadn’t seen the way Legoshi had been afterwards, didn’t know how close Legoshi had been to ending his life because of her words. Before Bill could tell her this, before he could bare his fangs in anger at the sheer ridiculousness of it, she continued.

“I was scared Legoshi. I had never met a hybrid before, hell I’ve never interacted with a large carnivore before. I know I’ll likely be devoured one day, or killed in an accident or something but.. well I guess I never expected such a close call in school Legoshi. And when it came out that you were a hybrid.. I needed to make sure you stayed away so I said things I knew would hurt. I panicked, I had no idea whether it was all an act or if you were as sweet as you seemed so I decided I needed to drive you away... I was wrong Legoshi. So very wrong and just as cruel as everyone who bullied me. I am so, so sorry.” The lagomorph pleaded, and even to Bill’s ears she sounded genuine.

Legoshi stared at her. Bill knew the wolf wouldn’t attack her. His friend’s mental health whilst still a wreck was so far better than it had been even a month ago, let alone when Legoshi had attacked her previously. A sinking feeling consumed Bill as a one thought emerged like an iceberg in the fog of his brain.

What if Legoshi wants to date her again?

As much as he wished overwise, as much as Legoshi had admitted to thinking he was gay, Bill could not forget how besotted Legoshi had been with Haru. For all he knew the guy wasn’t interested in him that way Bill wasn’t sure how he’d respond to the wolf obsessing over the rabbit again.

“Thank you Haru. I… umm well.. I understand. And I accept your apology for what you said about me, but I can’t forget that you said it. That when you were scared, when I was.. vulnerable, you lashed out at me. But I accept the apology for what you said about me. But I can’t forgive what you said about my family, my grandparents or their love.” Legoshi awkwardly stated, his voice growing firm at the end.

Bill stared, unable to tear his eyes from Legoshi. Rex the bastard was beautiful when resolute.

Vaguely he was aware Haru too, was staring at the defiant wolf.

Legoshi stepped closer to Bill, and it was only then he realised he’d been gripping the wolf’s hand so tightly. “I’m finally starting to be happy to have been born a wolf Haru. To be glad to have been born at all. It’s hard but I think I’m improving. But.. I don’t think talking to you would be healthy for me Haru, at least not for now. But thank you for the apology.” Legoshi spoke softly, and Bill could watch as Haru processed it, a queer sadness settling onto her shoulders briefly before she squared them, bowing to Legoshi.

“Thank you. I understand. I will… I will be better Legoshi. And I know it isn’t worth shit but if you ever do want to maybe one day reconnect.. then please do.” Haru said sadly before leaving.

Bill and Legoshi watched her scurry off, vanishing into the school.

“Not as I expected.” A reptilian hiss came from behind them.

Spinning round, fear consumed Bill as the enormous serpent filled his vision, having somehow snuck up on them.

“What you expected?” Legoshi whispered as Bill stepped between him and the huge reptile.

With an alien blink, the snake shifted, coiling around Bill and Legoshi, starting at them. “Yess… I thought that once exposed there was a chance you’d finish your attack and I would stop you or….you would rise above.. Maybe even to become a Beastar. Either a potential hazard in the school would be dealt with or a Beastar forged.” The snake explained, softly but without any sign of emotion as it continued to tighten around them. Bill stepped back, bumping into Legoshi. The hybrid’s hand was gripping his like a vice.

“You.. you exposed me?” Legoshi spat out in horror, Rex he was trembling.

The serpent nodded it’s head, enough for Bill to see a security guard’s hat upon it’s head as it batted it’s eyelashes at them. “Yes. The security and safety of Cherryton’s students is my responsibility. I informed the paper, at the time I thought it would allow everyone to make an informed decision.” The security guard plainly stated, as if it was a buss timetable.

Rage filled Bill, he stamped forward several steps, still holding Legoshi’s hand but now shielding Legoshi from the snake’s gaze. “THE FUCK! You threw him under the bus! You made his life a living hell for what? ‘An informed decision’? You didn’t allow Legoshi that!  Legoshi could have died! I could have lost him! Where were you when he was getting attacked, when all of us trying to protect him were attacked! When Collot was fucking stabbed! Or all the times Legoshi was put in the infirmary?” Bill roared, baring his fangs at the monstrous guard.

His fire didn’t affect the giant reptile, who just stared down at him. He was tiny in comparison, the guard crush or bite him in half with but a motion, but Bill couldn’t, wouldn’t back down. Someone had to protect Legoshi. He had to protect Legoshi.

“The stabbing was… unexpected. And suffering.. is the forge in which Beastars are made, how the unbroken spear is found. I was confident Legoshi would survive and grow. It was a mercy, for it to be brought fully into light now than later as it would have.” The security guard coldly explained.

“Just.. leave me alone. Please. Just.. just don’t interfere with my life. I don’t want to be a Beastar, I never did. I just want to be happy.” Legoshi barked out from behind Bill unsteadily, and it tore Bill to not be able to turn around and comfort the guy.

That emotionless face just swayed to side, as analysing them, togue flicking out several times, nearly touching them even. Then it nodded. “Verry well. Legoshi the hybrid, I bid you farewell and apologise for my mistake.” The serpent quietly stated almost as if disappointed, and in a rush slithered off, entering a small campus building.

They stood there, staring at that small building for a time. Gathering himself, Bill turned to Legoshi. Silent tears flowed down the Legoshi’s stricken face, his ears flat and a slight tremor in his shoulders. “You okay man? Th-“ Bill began, only for Legoshi to spin on his heel, and Bill nearly fell over as the wolf pulled him forward by the hand. Legoshi strode out of the gates, dragging Bill along with him.

Bill only just managed to avoid falling to the floor, managing to recover and keep up with the wolf. “Legoshi? Legoshi speak to me please?” He asked just as Legoshi ducked into an alley.

The wolf slumped down against the wall, behind a dumpster, drawing his knees up to meet his nose. Shit, he was hyperventilating, the wolf’s whole body shaking as tears continued to flow, holding his knees as he rocked slightly.

Crouching Bill cautiously put a hand to the wolf’s shoulder. Legoshi grabbed it, almost nuzzling it for a few moments. Bill gave Legoshi time, even if he wanted to ask how he could help, what the wolf was thinking or just do anything to help him.

Legoshi let out a small pained whine. Bill wanted nothing more then to scoop Legoshi into his arms, to just kiss the other man or hide him somewhere where no one could interfere again.

“I.. I was treated like an experiment. I just… I just want to live Bill. I want to shine together, not as some broken Beaster alone.” Legoshi quietly muttered into his hand, Bill barely able to hear him over the noise of the street. Something in his chest broke at just how utterly tired and done Legoshi sounded. He wanted to tear that stupid bastard of a guard apart. Fucking trying to make Legoshi a Beastar when he had never shown any interest in the role whatsoever? Legoshi loved bugs and egg sandwiches, was in the drama club not any fight or martial arts club.

“You don’t have to Legoshi. That freaking snake can’t control you. You ain’t his spear or whatever, you are Legoshi the grey wolf hybrid, you never have to be alone man!” Bill desperately whispered to Legoshi as he pulled him close, wrapping his other arm around the gangly wolf.

Legoshi cried into Bill’s chest, and he found himself licking the top of the canine’s head, hoping it helped. The ugly little sobs continued but did lessen.

Eventually, Legoshi shakily stood up, but then leaned into Bill’s chest, hugging him. Bill didn’t try to hold back chuffing at the sound, and he noticed it caused a small wag of Legoshi’s tail.

He continued to carefully lick Legoshi’s head, nuzzling against the side of his head.

“Le, Legoshi please. Speak to me, tell what you are thinking.” Bill pleaded quietly.

Sniffling, Legoshi straightened up, wiping his face. “I … I don’t want to think about it now Bill. I need to, I know I need to. And I’ll bring it up in therapy I promise. Dr Melon will likely tell me to shoot the snake but.. but I want to make this night about us. Not Haru. Not some guard who wanted to turn me into a Beastar. Us.” The wolf said determinedly, meeting Bill’s eyes and giving him a small smile.

Fuck, how was the wolf so handsome when he’d just been crying? Bill smiled back, bumping his nose into Legoshi’s affectionately. He was pretty sure his heart skipped a beat at the small happy chuckle Legoshi made.

“That’s brilliant! Hey if it’s just us we can paint the town red and have a good time! We don’t have to just have waffles! We can do whatever we want, this is your night Legoshi!” Bill eagerly replied and he just wanted to spin for joy as the way the wolf’s mouth twitched upwards, or the sadness seemed to fade from his eyes.

A loud rumble from Legoshi’s stomach broke the moment, causing the wolf to blush, momentarily covering his face in embarrassment. “Oh. Oh no why? Dammit.” Legoshi muttered under his breath as Bill laughed out loudly, grabbing the wolf’s hand again.

“Okay I think that’s a pretty clear sign we need those waffles, Tem gave you the address, right?”

___

Bill had never known they did waffles with eggs on them, but they did. Surprisingly, Legoshi only had one plate of them, ordering ones with different toppings afterwards. The “Waffle Station” was americana themed, almost like something out of Fallout, down to old showtunes being played as if on a radio.

“I enjoy egg salads and sandwiches yes, but I’m not entirely sure the texture of them fried or boiled goes with waffles. Plus Dr Melon has been suggesting I get more practice with small changes small explorations or he will ‘chain your scrawny ass and shove porn in your face like a fucking panda’. I’m pretty sure he was joking. It’s hard to tell sometimes. He’s a bit like you actually Bill, I wander if it’s a feline thing?” Legoshi had replied, complete with making quotation marks with his hands as he quoted his therapist. Bill’s confusion at Legoshi ordering other flavours must have shown.

Bill snorted, for a second choking on a piece of waffle. “Feline thing? What do you mean by that lizardwolf?”

Legoshi let out an amused huff, raising an eyebrow before resting one elbow on the table, then resting his head on the upraised hand as he replied. “Being able to be perfectly polite and civil one moment and then vulgar and crass the next. I admit it took some getting used to at first, but it certainly helps, the spontaneity is quite nice, and… I enjoy it now with you Bill. I guess I have loosened up like you always said I needed to Bottom Bengal.”

Bill dropped his fork, looking downwards as he flinched at the unexpected nickname, he could feel his fur bristling in embarrassment. Bottom Bengal. He knew it had spread around the school, become the only thing the rugby team called him now. But Legoshi calling him both hurt and made him imagine what couldn’t be. Imagine the wolf calling him it affectionately the morning after, or even in passion.

“Bill, Bill I’m sorry! I just… well I read that felines give nicknames based on physical or personal characteristics to those you like and you always called me legoshit, shittywolf, or various ones based on mutt or canine characteristics. And now Lizardwolf which I think I may like? I’m not sure I admit. I .. well I.. was it too soon for me to give you one? Legoshi’s frantic apology brought Bill’s head back upward to the now panicked wolf.

Gulping, Bill stared at his feet. He grabbed his whiskers with one hand and tugging on them in shame and frustration at all the stupid derogatory nicknames he’d called Legoshi before. “It’s not that. It’s my fault really. I’m not proud of it. Especially.. and I know this is hypocritical of me after how I used to go on for details but.. just not in public Legoshi? I enjoy it but I just.. It doesn’t really fit in with what a male Bengal tiger is supposed to be.”  He explained quietly, fiddling with his tail. Tao, Aoba and Els didn’t think less of him. And he wasn’t ashamed of it anymore exactly, at least not of enjoying being fucked. Yes Collot had apologised numerous times for what he’d said. But hearing it again, from Legoshi of all men. As much as he knew the wolf wasn’t interested in him that way, it brought up a mess of feelings.

The seat depressing next to him made Bill look up as Legoshi wrapped an arm around his shoulders as he sat down next to him, pressing close. “I’m sorry Bill. I assumed as it was general knowledge and you always seemed to enjoy talking about sex before. But I meant it when I said it was great you were gay, that includes if you are a bottom Bill.” Legoshi quietly spoke, watching his free hand idly playing with a napkin.

The wolf’s head turned to him before continuing. “And … I admit I’ve struggled with that as well, hating but also desperately wanting to fit the grey wolf role so badly before realising… it’s part of me, but not my entire being? And I think you are so much more than just a Bengal Tiger Bill.” Legoshi gently explained, even squeezing his shoulder.

Bill sighed, leaning into the wolf. “Thanks Legoshi. And I do enjoy talking about it with friends. But… Just if people think less of me because of it? Think I’m not a man? You said it sweetly but others just say it to reduce me to something to use and discard.” Bill whispered, glancing back down to the floor.

Legoshi hugged him tightly, holding him tight almost crushing Bill and breathing deeply, was the wolf nuzzling him?

The determination in Legoshi’s voice made Bill shiver as the other man spoke whispered into his ear. “No. Bill I am not discarding you. Never. And you are a brilliant man Bill, you make me feel more masculine. I should have recognised it sooner with how we fought. I feel male when I’m with you Bill. I have male thoughts when I’m with you and about you. You being a bottom doesn’t change that.”

It was a strange embarrassing half chuff half sob Bill let out as he just let himself nuzzle back into Legoshi’s neck. “Thank you Legoshi. It.. it means a lot you saying that tome man.” Bill muttered back, sniffling. Even if Legoshi wasn’t interested in him helping the wolf be more comfortable in being a male carnivore was fantastic! Though what did he mean by male thoughts?

Legoshi gave him a tight squeeze and then a chaste kiss to the side of his neck. Chuffing, Bill bolted upwards, staring at Legoshi. The wolf had just kissed him! It must have been a canine thing.

The wolf let out a shy giggle, bashfully smiling at him whilst scratching the back of his head. “Sorry, I know you are supposed to kiss at the end of a date but you looked like you were struggling and I thought it wouldhelpandIwantedto.” Legoshi cheerfully explained, rushing the last bit.

Bill was pretty sure the whole restaurant heard him chuff. “You wanted to? And date?” He blurted in reply, making Legoshi blink at him and then just smile, though this time nervously.

“Ummm yes. I wanted to kiss you a few times tonight Bill. And yes, this was a date. At least umm well I asked you out. Sorry, I must have misunderstood.” Legoshi stated, his tone and face becoming sadder and ears dropping before starting to move to stand up.

Bill hugged him, desperate to stop him from leaving. Legoshi… Legoshi had actually asked him out? This whole night had been a date! And now the mutt thought he’d rejected him. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.

“It was me! I misunderstood Legoshi! I… I didn’t think you’d want to date me. Even if you forgave me, I never thought you’d want to date the guy who…. You know?” Bill declared loudly, not caring about the heads that turned their way as he then released Legoshi to hold up his hands and make a limp scratching motion with each one, unsheathing his claws slightly as he did so.

Legoshi made an ugly but happy sounding snort, smiling again at him. “It surprised a few of the guys as well. Jack especially was concerned. And I didn’t just forgive you because I wanted to ask you out Bill. I…. I love my scales Bill, I always wanted some for all my mother would have hated them as I said earlier. And grandfather told me about fights he had with grandmother and a good friend of his when he was younger, and even how he accidentally hurt people or made mistakes. And for all I started it thinking destroying you would absolve me, I think I may have enjoyed the fight on some level? Or at least the contact and… the grappling? I’m still sorting through it with Doctor Melon but I think I’ve always enjoyed the physical contact in our fights Bill. Canines playfight and wrestle a lot so I guess it was almost like that just we lost control a bit. I genuinely have enjoyed spending more time with you, both with others and when it is just us. And like I said I have male thoughts about you.” The hybrid stated bluntly.

“Just what do you mean by male thoughts Legoshi?” Bill asked, trying to process Legoshi’s monologue.

Said wolf’s mouth dropped open in shock, and Legoshi clearly blushed, his hands coming together and anxiously fiddling. His mouth making small movements as if to reply but Legoshi was clearly overthinking the words and not sure what to say.  Male thoughts? Bill couldn’t help the smirk or chuff as he realised just when Legoshi had looked so awkward previously. Or rather, what they had been talking about.

“Legoshi, when you say male thoughts, are you talki-“

“IWANTTOFUCKYOUBILLOKAYEVENIFI’MAPERVERT!” Legoshi shouted out, then buried his face in his hands. The wolf was practically a tomato under his fur and Bill was so glad he chuffed rather than squeal in delight. Legoshi wanted him. Legoshi wanted to fuck him!

“Hey Legoshi it’s fine! It’s great, hell it’s perfect if you have those male thoughts, perfect even!” Bill suavely said, confidence flooding back into him as he put an arm around the hybrid who looked like he wanted to be swallowed by the earth.

Legoshi snorted, shoulders relaxing and he returned the hug with one arm, leaning into Bill. “I know. Well not sure about perfect. I just.. I admit I struggle with talking about this kind of stuff okay? But yes umm. Yes Bill I have had … I’ve thought about sex with you. About..umm well topping you. I never really thought about sex. Or romance before but I have been thinking about it with you. A lot. Like more than can be normal. As I said, I’m perverted.”  The embarrassed wolf explained quietly, the last statement said so mater of fact Bill chuckled.

Bill gave Legoshi a gentle lick to the top of his head, holding him tight. “Dude it’s normal we are teenage men! It’s what we are supposed to be thinking about! And if you are perverted what does that make me then?” Bill replied, tying to control his volume. Then a few seconds later he added, more quiet and uncertain even if his heart prayed it was true. “Romance?”

The wolf let out a small chuckle, relaxing fully against Bill’s chest. “Yes Bill. Romance. As much as I would sex with you I don’t want just that. I don’t think I could do.. hookups I think Collot called them? I want to date, spend time with you Bill that isn’t sex. Not that sex is bad! I may have been a tad extreme before when I used to… well you know? But I don’t want it with just anyone… I want it with you Bill but only if you are seriously interested. And I’m not sure how I’d feel about you telling everyone it if we had intercourse Bill. And I don’t know, a mega pervert? A pervert sage as you seem to have converted me. Albeit one that I like.” Legoshi explained, head tilting one way and then another several times as he spoke.

Bill chuckled, playfully headbutting Legoshi’s head. “Heh I can live with that, though I am not dressing up as a toad okay?”

Legoshi looked up at him quizzically, one ear flopped down, the other upright. “Why would I ask you dress up as a toad sage? Is it a fetish?” The canine asked utterly deadpan.

Oh no.

“You know? The great perverted toad sage in Naruto? Jiraiya? A baddass ninja?” Bill asked hopefully.

Legoshi stared back at him blankly for a second. “Not really? I think Collot or Durham mentioned a show called that about ninjas once?”

Bill let out a small annoyed chirp. Poor Legoshi. He had known there were gaps in the wolf’s upbringing but this? He’d beg Els on his hands and knees for her copies to lend Legoshi if that’s what it took!

Confidently, Bill began, determined to rectify this travesty. “Well Els prefers the manga to the show, I enjoy both but it’s a classic Legoshi! So you see there is this Fox, Naruto who is training to be a ninja but a nine tailed ape was imprisoned in him when he was a kid by his-, eh by the previous Hokage- that’s the most powerful ninja in the village who-“
___

Legoshi froze in his tracks as they approached the festival grounds, ears flattening and letting out a small sad whine. “Bill.. I am banned from the festival. I can’t go in.” The wolf stated, staring at the floor.

Bill slipped his hand around the hybrid’s waist, his other hand going to hold one of Legoshi’s large ones, and he gently booted his nose against the wolf’s. “I know Legoshi, it’s utter bullshit. But it’s just the festival you are banned from. It’s not the festival tonight, just the last night of setup and practicing! So all the stalls are ready and open other than the stupid candle one so I figured… well you asked me out for pancakes, want to shine together a bit longer?” He explained, hoping Legoshi agreed. He knew it was selfish but he wanted to take the other man around the stalls, wanted to get him festival snacks and prizes if Legoshi wanted anything. He didn’t want this night to end.

Legoshi hugged him, throwing his arms around Bill’s neck buried his face in Bill’s chest. “Thank you Bill. That. .. That would actually be lovely, lets do it.” The wolf stated firmly before stepping back.

The grabbed fried broccoli and halloumi from the first stall they passed and just wandered around hand in hand. Part of him cringed and wanted to hide when some of the others around stared or whispered. Not many, but just enough. “Hybrid” and “Bottom Bengal” and even a few “fags”. Legoshi’s ear began to flicker downwards, his shoulders starting to droop and the wolf began to radiate anxiety that only made Bill’s worsen. Bill instead took a deep breath, releasing Legoshi’s hand to instead wrapping it around Legoshi’s waist again. Fuck it, if people were going to stare let them. Legoshi deserved a man who wouldn’t wilt from looks and whispers. Someone who could be strong for him.

“Bill! People are staring!” Legoshi whispered frantically up at him, worry clear in his eyes.

Bill gently, almost reverently chastely kissed him, just a peck before replying loudly. “So what? Because I’m having a date with a handsome wolf? Because the sweetest guy I know is actually giving me a chance? They are going to stare anyway so let’s just enjoy ourselves Legoshi.” He declared, leading Legoshi to a fried Tofu stall he’d gone to the previous year with Tao and Aoba and ordered from the middle-aged opossum manning it.

Legoshi rolled his head, huffing before replying. “I know.. I admit it’s still my first instinct to hide even if I know that isn’t possible. And you meant that about me being handsome and sweet?”

Bill nuzzled Legoshi’s neck as they waited for the tofu, then rubbing his chin across his face as he replied. “Yes. Legoshi you look so good! Even when you were slouching you had this melancholic handsomeness to you, you are hot as fuck believe me. And I’ve seen the way you are with others, like the way you taught Kai and Tem on the lights and stage crew shit was amazing! Or the way you are with bugs or just want to help people or feel for them man. Or how you always make sure to never hurt anyone. Like most people ain’t like that. I… I’m not like that Legoshi.” He found himself looking away from Legoshi with the last admission.

Legoshi’s nose pressed into the side of his face, then again making him turn back to the wolf’s face, a small smile on his face. “That’s not true Bill. You are a good man. I mean the way you have acted since Adler proves that. You could have taken a few different easier roads but you’ve stuck through it, stuck by me. You care about everyone in the club. So you are hot headed, most of us are and you never intend to hurt anyone, not properly.” The wolf explained and then accepted the tofu off the store holder.

Bill slow blinked twice at the wolf, watching Legoshi grab a couple of the Tofu pieces and pop them into his mouth and eat them. Legoshi looked at him quizzically, before sighing. “Where’s that courage gone Bill?” He asked.

Slumping as they moved away from the stall, Bill replied quietly. “I.. I actually care about what you think about me Legoshi. All the pricks here judging us can go to hell, but you? I actually want your good opinion, I want to say the right thing to you, not piss you off.” He admitted.

Legoshi let out a deep happy chuckle, leaning against Bill in a frankly feminine pose as they turned down an alley of tents. “You want me to have a good opinion of you Bill? Whilst we are on a date? I’m shocked, absolutely surprised.” The wolf replied playfully, causing Bill to stop and stare. Which only caused the wolf to smile and turn to face him frontally, looking into his eyes and holding his hands. “I’m glad Bill. Glad I’m here with you. You have my good opinion, and I can assure you I want yours as well. And honestly… maybe having some friction is good? I’ve read that disagreements are good for a healthy relationship, important even. I did say I enjoyed our fights. You burn brighter than you think Bengal bastard.”

Bill let out a half gasp, half cough as he attempted to glare at the wolf. “Bengal bastard?”

Legoshi nodded bashfully, though he was smirking at Bill as he explained. “No good? I admit I feel like I need to catch up on the nickname game. It seemed like an idea to ‘break you out of your funk’ to quote Durham.”

Snorting to try and cover up the chuff, Bill rolled his eyes at Legoshi. “Maybe it did. I don’t know Legoshi, my parents were married, it’s one of the few details I remember. It is however nice hearing you …” Bill explained before drifting off and grabbing some of the tofu out of the bag.

“Have some bite? Does someone enjoy being insulted?” Legoshi playfully offered, grabbing some tofu.

Gently, Bill lightly shoved into Legoshi, making wolf fondly snort. “It’s a feline thing. We can be as social as you canines, we just… we play and tease each other whilst you mutts are all lovey dovey packs.” He explained before dramatically holding the tofu bag above his head and finishing the fired food off.

“Lovely dovey?” Legoshi asked, an eyebrow raised, slight annoyance in his tone though he still wore an exasperated smile. Bill nodded, and he started walking again, Legoshi following. “Lovey dovey Bill?” He asked again.

Letting out an amused chrip, Bill put his arm over Legoshi’s shoulder as replied. “Lovely dovey! It’s cute as hell but you guys all fall over yourselves to help each other at the drop of a hat and struggle to go against each other. Felines are more independent, we clash against each other but that gives us space.”

Legoshi snorted loudly, shoving against Bill, making him stumble slightly. “And you don’t help Tao?” The wolf said, though thankfully Bill could see Legoshi’s tail wagging slowly behind him.

“That’s different! It’s one brother, not a whole pack! It’s a trust thing, like we don’t have to hold back and being comfortable enough to disagree is a way we show affection.” Bill explained defensively, Legoshi nodding and stepping back towards him, hand around Bill’s waist and dragging him back towards the stalls.

“I think Kibi mentioned it sometime last year, he was researching felines.”  Legoshi said as they stepped back onto the festival street.

Bill laughed, jovially replying. “Of course he was. Guy couldn’t hide his fetish for large carnivores if he tried, least he has taste.”

Legoshi let out a happy little hum. “I did see him with a book on bears, grizzly bears yesterday. I think Jack may be the same. He probably knows more about my biology then myself. Ask him anything about a large carnivore species and he knows it, even as kids he loved studying us, well me at first but he studied wolves, big cats, reptiles.-“

“And Bears?” Bill asked, wiggling his eyebrows letting his tone do all the talking. Legoshi blushed, the wolf letting out an embarrassed whine.

“Nope! Nada, I am not thinking about that Bill! NOPE! I cannot hear you!” Legoshi melodramatically stated, mock glaring up at Bill momentarily before letting out a small but honest smile as Bill laughed. “Despite that.. I am happy for Jack. Even if it does feel slightly weird that it’s Adam he is …. Penetrating. I honestly see him as a brother more then Adam. Not that’s anything against Adam, Juno or any of my other siblings but I’ve only really known any of them for a month whilst I’ve known Jack as far back as I can remember.” Legoshi explained as they walked past some game stalls, just watching as they all had large ques.

“I … think I can understand it? I never got on that well with my cousin and whilst Tao is like a brother to me I think my relationship with him is different to that you have with Jack.” Bill said as they walked down the line. Dammit he’d really wanted to try and win a stuffed bug for Legoshi.

“You guys fucked didn’t you?” Legoshi blurted out quietly, a tone he didn’t recognise in Legoshi’s voice. Bill froze for a second before walking again, going behind the stalls into the woods away from the crowds.

“Yeah, we were each other’s firsts. At first I said it was to help him out you know? Just kissing, cuddling and handjobs. Then we started doing more. Exploring different ideas and stuff, finding out what we enjoyed. Ended up as pretty much not wanking as we took care of each other ya know? I always said ‘No homo’ but…. Well year I was talking out of my ass and I never really thought how that might have made Tao feel.” Bill explained, only to then notice Legoshi’s grip on his waist was slightly tighter, and there was a quiet, deep growl coming from the man beside him. A growl that was undeniably one of the sexiest sounds he had heard Legoshi make.

Smirking for some reason, Bill couldn’t stop himself asking in a teasing tone. “Legoshi.. are you jealous of Tao?”

It then stopped, Legoshi’s grip lightening and wolf sighing before taking a deep breath. “Sorry Bill. Ummm us canines get jealous and possessive easily. And hearing about you and Tao.. it’s different to knowing you went to the glory hole with strangers with no connection I guess? Like you guys are so close, and it’s been going on for a while.. like I just felt jealous of him being your first and doing.. all that with you. Though it’s nice you being so open about it with me.”  The wolf slowly explained quietly, conflict clear.

Bill hugged him, chuffing and spinning around Legoshi making the wolf yelp.

“Hey that’s fine, I get it Legoshi and I think I heard about that jealousy thing. Though maybe I like that? Means you liii-iike me if you are getting jealous over lil’ sweet Tao using my mouth, my ass or however he wanted almost every nig-“ Bill’s singsong teasing was halted by Legoshi slamming him back against a tree, arms pinning his own above his head and growling. It was deep, it was loud and it was possessive. Fuck Bill was almost sure he could cum just from that rich beautiful sound.

Rex Legoshi was so beautiful when angry, when passion was burning in those eyes. And just the way Legoshi had spun and pinned him so easily made Bill shiver in anticipation. The wolf glared at him for a second before letting out bark of sarcastic laughter. “Bill.. Bill you absolute dick! You fucking said that deliberately!” Legoshi growled out, shoving Bill even harder against the tree, their bodies flush. Surprise filled Legoshi’s eyes and Bill felt the wolf press against him, then pull back slightly and glance down. “You’re hard! Do.. Do you enjoy me getting like this?” Legoshi demanded, his face in Bill’s.

Shrugging his shoulders as much as he could, Bill grinned as he replied. “Yes. It’s hot. The way you growl, how you just slammed me into this tree, it’s so physical and raw.  It’s… It’s nice to feel wanted, to feel that someone cares about me enough to be possessive of me.”  That actually sounded a bit messed up now he said it out loud “Okay I can admit that’s fucked up.”

Legoshi stared at him incredulously, panting. “You ba, you prick! You absolute beautiful asshole! What if I hurt you Bill! And I don’t want to feel jealous Bill! How would you feel if I talked about my sexual history if I had one?” The wolf spat out, his voice a maelstrom and Bill flinched in guilt.

“I.. I wouldn’t care, not unless you were cheating Legoshi. For felines.. we are more casual about sex I guess? Actual romance is what we are more serious about. I’m sorry Legoshi, I won’t do it again.  And don’t worry about hurting me okay? I can take it as much as I enjoy it.” Bill softly explained.

Legoshi looked at him for a few moments before gently scoffing and pressing against him again, resting his head on Bill’s shoulder. “You really are a perverted tiger. But if you are mine… and really?” Legoshi spoke thoughtfully before suddenly increasing the pressure on Bill’s wrists, adjusting his legs so they outside of Bill’s. Bill was utterly pinned the wolf and he gasped, face flushing. He knew Legoshi was stronger than he appeared but Rex those large hands were like vices on his wrists.

“Well Bill? Is this what you wanted? I think I felt you twitch just from that.” Legoshi stated bluntly, but something in his eyes made Bill think the other man found it amusing.

“Yes. Rex below yes Legoshi! Fu-“  Bill’s reply was cut off as with a low growl Legoshi gently bit on his ear and ground his crotch against Bill’s. Bill mewled, half chuffing and half moaning as he ground back.

“You really do enjoy this Bill? It’s.. cute. Adorable. Just feeling you move under me, hearing how much you are enjoying this. You really find me sexy? Find me.. male?” Legoshi muttered into Bill’s ear, releasing it and he could feel Legoshi’s breath in his fur.

Rex he could feel Legoshi gaining more confidence, could feel the wolf’s movements becoming more assured. He needed Legoshi, needed this, as much as he loved the gentle nature of Legoshi to feel the man becoming more comfortable with his own body was intoxicating.

Bill kissed the side of Legoshi’s muzzle several times, poking his teeth against the canine’s teeth. “Yes Legoshi! Fuck. Fuck I love you. I love your gentle nature but love you letting loose like this with me Legoshi. God you are so ravishing.” Bill admitted, uncaring how desperate he sounded.

Legoshi looked at him in thought, smiling at him. “You.. you mean that Bill?” He asked hopefully.

Bill nodded almost maniacally. “Yes! I love you Legoshi I.. I just wanted your attention so badly, wanted contact with you and to know you better and –“ Legoshi kissed him.

The wolf just shoved his tongue in, stopping for a moment to almost quizzically explore Bill’s fangs before wrapping around his tongue. Moaning, Bill kissed back, meeting Legoshi’s frantic, excited energy with his own.

“GUYS! GUYS ARE YOU HERE? BIIILLL! LEGO-“ A loud shout made Bill and Legoshi freeze the moment they heard it.

Tem. It was bloody Tem.

Legoshi twisted his head back whilst Bill leaned his to the left.

Tem, Kai, Jack, Adam, Durham, Miguno were staring at them, whilst Aoba was looking at the ground in embarrassment.

“Umm well we heard you guys had come to the festival grounds… and Kai was hoping you could help with the gardening club and well people said you two had gone into the woods. FUCK! I should have realised. Sorry Bill. Sorry Legoshi. Ummm yay?” Tem hurriedly explained, his voice becoming weaker after the exclamation and was almost pathetic by the end.

Fuck Tem.

__

Bill put down the last of the plants for the gardening club, keeping an on Legoshi. Haru had turned up and begged Kai to let her help, stating she needed to help with the gardening club at least one more time. The mongoose had been about to reject only for Legoshi to intervene on her behalf. Bill had laughed out loud at the sheer surprise on everyone’s faces. Legoshi was too forgiving, too good but that was how the handsome hybrid was.

Now it was just the three of them. Kai had been summoned by the festival management and Tem had gone with him, the various hyena who had joined the club and had been helping tonight were off on various errands or gone home whilst Jack and Adam had slipped away. Lucky bastards, Bill had smelt Jack as the dog watched Legoshi’s half brother moving large benches and tables around and he could hazard a guess what the two were doing.

“Thank you Legoshi. You didn’t have to say that to Kai but you didn’t I was so wrong about-.” Haru was then cutoff by the lights across the whole festival ground going out.

“What’s going on?” Legoshi asked, putting down the large potted cactus he’d been carrying as they heard various shouts of panic erupt around them.

“Protect Haru until the lights are back on! I’m sure it’s just a power cut.” Bill drawled out, moving as Legoshi did at the same time, being back to back with Haru between them. Despite his own feelings regarding her, she deserved protection. That and he knew Legoshi would blame himself if anything happened to the rabbit.

It was just a power cut anyway. It wasn’t like they would have to do anything other then make sure she got knocked over in the confusion.

Though why could he suddenly smell lion and cigarettes?