Chapter Text
Looking into the mirror, Louis already thought he looked ridiculous. This was his first time wearing his customly tailored suit—his father claimed his son should have nothing but the best, but in actuality none of the other tuxedo’s in the store fit the heir.
The problem wasn’t the colors of the outfit, it was that he felt the formal attire heavily restricted his movement. The deer loosened his tie and turned around, his gaze remaining on his reflection. Louis’ eyes were on his back, then slowly went lower and lower. He was alone, there was no problem admiring such an intimate part of himself.
That is, until someone knocked on his door. Louis quickly looked away and scowled; if it was just another of the Horn Estate’s maids wanting to tell him to wake up, the deer would promptly chastise her.
Swinging the door wide open, Louis was ready to yell at the careless delinquent bothering him and his alone time. However, the heir’s face paled and he had to resist his ears drooping when he wasn’t greeted with a servant, he was staring right at a familiar green suit. Louis averted his attention upwards, Ogma already staring down at his son.
The star actor immediately straightened his back and slipped on a neutral expression. “Hello, father,” Louis greeted.
The stag raised an eyebrow at the stark contrast of his son’s earlier mood. Regardless, Ogma asked him. “Are you done yet in there? You know we can’t afford to be late.”
Louis frowned, he was embarrassed his father was here, especially after the deer attempted to do something not appropriate for someone who was meant to be held in high regard. “I know. I just finished, we can get going now,” he responded as naturally as he could. At least he wasn’t caught, he’d have a hard time explaining such a sight to his father.
Ogma looked pleased hearing this. At least, Louis thought so, the boss’ expressions were hard to get a read on, he always looked stone cold, sometimes partially annoyed. His father was never a man of much emotion, so the heir concluded his thoughts there.
Out of nowhere Ogma adjusted Louis’ tie, tightening it despite the latter’s disappointment. As they were leaving the manor, any servant they passed by made sure to swiftly get out of their way and bow their heads to show respect. “Good morning.” They incessantly uttered the exact same greeting to the boss and heir.
Much to Louis’ surprise, Ogma informed him, “I would’ve sent one of the servants to come collect you, but something tells me you wouldn’t take too kindly to their presence.” The star actor frowned, he was only bold enough to make such a face since his father wasn’t looking his way.
“Whatever they’re telling you isn’t true. It’s complicated...” Louis didn’t hate the animals working for them, he knew he lived a lavish life and their helping hands were greatly beneficial, it’s just that Ogma always sent a servant, as if the stag couldn’t bear the sight of his son—which thankfully Louis knew not to be true.
And each and every butler or maid sent by the boss’ request would constantly treat the deer like an immature fawn, he felt at any second they would stick their grubby hand out for him to hold onto.
Ogma didn’t respond, not even so much as spare a glance his son’s way. This only sullied the heir’s already out of joint emotions, deepening his now scowling face. Once the two were outside, a designated driver held the limousine door open for them and they got in.
Louis was practically glaring daggers at the stag—causing the driver mild concern, if it was anybody else doing just that, they’d be fired on the spot.
The only response the star actor garned, or lack thereof, was Ogma instructing the driver, “I already told you our destination. Take us there now.” Louis huffed and turned away, it wasn’t worth getting frustrated over little things. At least, he thought so.
In the midst of the car’s driving, the deer turned to his father and tried sparking a conversation with the first topic that came to mind. “…You never told me where we’re headed,” Louis muttered, loud enough that the stag would hopefully hear it.
Ogma merely offered a minimal response. “You wouldn’t like the answer. That’s why I’ve neglected to inform you.” Much to the heir’s surprise, the stag wasn’t straightforward like he normally was—a trait Louis detested about him, on par with his deathly seriousness.
“You’re not one to keep secrets, father. However, trust me, I can handle something as simple as a destination,” the star actor responded, he was desperate to know. Louis already had an inkling of an idea about what Ogma was talking about, but he wanted to be wrong.
Unfortunately, the boss was seemingly done with their—what he thought to be—unimportant small talk as he’d instead rather go on his phone. The deer internally groaned at the detestable sight. Normally, things would be the other way and the parent would have to scold their child not to be on their device so much.
Of course, Louis recognized the various streets they’ve passed through plenty of times before, the exact same route would always be taken. When the driver announced, “We’ve arrived.” The deer dug his fingernails into his palms. Naturally, no actual damage was inflicted.
Louis reluctantly followed Ogma out of the limousine. The mansion ahead housed the deer’s greatest rivals. All Louis could was mentally prepare himself as the front door swung open.
“It’s nice to see you two again!” An elderly looking deer greeted them. Despite the fact the heir was sure he and his father were around the same age, the deer before them appeared much older than he actually was.
Ogma’s expression remained unchanged, even as he responded, “It’s nice to see you too, Junichiro.” The boss waltzed in and observed the surroundings.
Louis followed inside, he was also surprised at the lack of servants roaming around the place, since the businessman accompanying them normally loved having butlers doing his bidding.
The star actor never liked Junichiro, something about him was off. The businessman’s tacky suit was also a sight to behold, it was centuries old with all of its wrinkles. Any holes were seemingly sewed back together with the same black colored fabric. Although, the attempts of hiding its poor condition were futile.
Junichiro slung his arm around Ogma’s shoulder and practically began dragging him around, Louis followed behind them. The businessman whispered to the boss, “So, is the boy ready?” The heir seethed at the fact he was really attemptint to keep petty secrets from him.
Fortunately, Louis’ anger settled as quick as it came when he heard his father respond in a loud enough voice the heir could hear. “Of course. While occasionally rebellious, Louis is mature enough to understand that this is necessary. He's been expecting it for a while now.” Junichiro appeared happy to hear that, his already wide smile somehow widened further.
The star actor on the other hand scoffed that his father would label his attempts at stopping this transaction as merely Louis being rebellious. He begrudgingly continued lagging behind, moving any further and the businessman would shove him away, claiming the adults needed room to talk.
Finally, and much to Louis’ disappointment, the three of them arrived at the formal dining table. It was the exact same table back at home. Junichiro claimed it was purely coincidental, however the heir heard from a particular doe it was only installed after the businessman visited the Horns Estate.
Already seated were two more deer the heir was forcibly acquainted with. The star actor’s eyes landed on the familiar doe Azuki, his “soon-to-be fiancée.” Louis heavily resented the idea of having to marry her, and he was sure Azuki had little to no interest in him either.
Azuki gazed right back at him. The heir felt a shiver run down his spine at the sight of her stoic expression, it reminded him so much of Ogma’s ever cold face looking down on him. Louis always had to remind himself about the boss’ situation and why he had to resort to adopting the star actor.
Louis looked away, not wanting to see Azuki’s expression any longer, but before he could sit down, a firm hand clamped down on his arm. The heir’s attention was immediately drawn to whoever dared touch him so casually. Junichiro forcibly waved Louis’ arm at the doe.
“Relax, she doesn’t bite,” the businessman laughed in the star actor’s face with an irritatingly egotistical grin. He then whispered, “I suggest you get used to being around Azuki, you’re gonna be with her for a long time after I finally seal the deal with your father.”
Louis aggressively jerked his arm free, only causing Junichiro to laugh louder as he watched the heir run off to sit as close to his father as possible, actively avoiding the businessman and his other family members.
Louis turned to Ogma, as if desperate to check if the boss saw what happened. Even if Ogma did see it, he didn’t appear to care at all, finding his watch more important before looking back up.
As if he wasn’t eager enough, Junichiro seemingly couldn’t wait a second longer as he unnecessarily felt the urge to announce to everybody, “I absolutely can’t wait for my little girl Azuki to finally get married!” The doe in question remained completely unphased, anyone looking closely could tell she wasn’t happy herself as she let out a sigh.
However, the star actor could only see her untouched face, he was partially creeped out by how little emotion she showed. Louis wondered what caused Azuki to be so indifferent to everything and everyone around her. Then again, his father was similar in that way, but he still didn’t want to acknowledge that fact.
Calm as ever, Ogma, who’s never shown excitement for anything, responded, “Yes, marriage is a big deal. I’m sure Louis feels fortunate he has the opportunity to be with such a pretty doe like Azuki.” Underneath the table the heir couldn’t help but dig his nails into his thighs.
The boss had absolutely no need to speak for him ever again, it’s been years since Louis learned how to talk like a normal animal. The star actor didn’t like anything about the past, he hated the dirty and cold cell he had to sleep in, the carnivores desperate for a taste of him, he despised how powerless he was to the whole thing, but most of all he especially loathed the damned reminder on his foot always following him everywhere he went.
Junichiro turned to easily the most forgettable deer in the room, his wife. “How rude of me. Honey, could you fetch something from the kitchen to serve to our wonderful guest?” The businessman’s wife was a stark contrast from her husband, she looked much younger and full of life.
“Seriously? Fine…” she muttered as she got up. Her purple coat hugged her voluptuous figure tightly, what was more eye-catching however was her emerald ring that she seemingly always cared to show off.
However, a matching ring accompanying Junichiro had yet to make an appearance. When compared to her alleged daughter, the two looked nothing alike. The most obvious difference was something the heir didn’t dare dwell on, inappropriate thoughts were unfitting for someone of his status.
Everyone watched her walk away, she was clearly disappointed she had to do such a grueling task. Louis knew practically nothing about her, for the times she ever actually showed up were scant.
“Sorry about her. She tends to be pretty moody just like most women,” the businessman carelessly said. If the businessman hadn’t proved to be insufferable enough, this moment forebode his headache inducing attitude. “Again, my sincerest apologies for not having things prepared beforehand. I would’ve had a chef prepare an excellent full-course meal for us all, but recently… I had to discard many of my servants. They were irresponsible.”
The star actor was only mildly interested in the discussion at this point, he’d rather clean the entire drama club than be here and listen to whatever Junichiro had to say. His father seemed to have caught on, Ogma told him, “If you’re bored, neither I nor Junichiro would mind if you and Azuki went someplace else to get to know each other better.”
Louis calmly shook his head. “That won’t be necessary,” he responded. Internally, he seethed at the poor suggestion. Why couldn’t his father understand he didn’t want to commit to this sham of a marriage?
Ogma’s always been concerned for the sake of the Horns Conglomerate, but there must be some part of the boss that cherished his son enough to see how wrong this was. Louis’ head sunk, maybe if he tried harder for the conglomerate Ogma wouldn’t have had to resort to this.
Even if this was for the greater good, all of the heir’s instinct begged him not allow this deal to go through. Despite this, Louis didn’t want to meddle in his father’s business and possibly even cause him stress.
While the star actor was stuck dwelling in his own thoughts, Junichiro’s wife had come back. To everyone’s surprise, in her hand was a tray full of deer crackers—a light snack favored by deer—but not very appropriate in this setting.
“Take as much as you like!” she said, enthusiastically placing the tray in the middle. Junichiro slapped a palm over his face, he wanted anything but this to be served to his high profile guest. As Junichiro’s wife was handing out plates by carelessly tossing them, she told Ogma, “They helped me achieve this body.”
Louis craned his head enough to see her wink at the boss, something the star actor wouldn’t expect from a supposed married woman. His eyes darted to his father, he desperately hoped his father saw that. Unfortunately, romance was never the boss’ strong suit, so his lack of reaction told Louis the advance went beyond his comprehension.
The heir knew something about this family was out of joint, he just couldn’t pinpoint what exactly was so wrong. Louis sighed, placed his arm on the table, then tried resting his head on his hand. However, the star actor’s chin instead banged against the table.
“Manners, Louis,” Ogma reminded him. The boss had slapped his son’s arm away and off the table. Louis groaned in pain and lifted his head back up, rubbing his chin whilst muttering an apology.
The heir quickly averted his attention to everyone seated, hoping nobody saw such an embarrassing moment. Junichiro was busy glaring at his wife who was happily gorging herself on the crackers she bought.
Louis was momentarily relieved knowing neither of them witnessed his humiliation, but his eyes widened and swiftly turned to Azuki. The doe was already looking back at him, causing the star actor to internally curse her, she probably took great amusement in his suffering.
Eventually, the businessman clasped his hands together, drawing everyone’s attention once. He announced, “Enough distractions! Let’s escalate to the topic of exactly when Azuki and Louis will get married.”
“Hopefully never.” Louis thought to himself. This only reinforced his desire to sabotage the marriage.
Ogma seemed to be contemplating when it would be most suitable for them. At least, for the sake of the deal between him and Junichiro, he paid no mind to Louis and Azuki. “Perhaps sometime next month. There are lots of preparations that must be made for an important day.” The businessman tensed up at the prospect of having to wait a whole month to make things official between him and the boss.
Louis noticed his reaction and surmised he was merely the impatient type. In a month’s time maybe the heir could cope with the reality that he'll have to spend the rest of his life with Azuki… But would he really be happy with that?
Whatever the adults were bickering about, Louis drowned out. Before a month’s time, he could run away, never to be seen again and have to force himself to be with a doe he didn’t like nor even found attractive whatsoever.
No, running away wasn’t the answer. Not only would he seem ungrateful to all of Ogma’s efforts to pave a perfect and straight road for him, but it’d futile too. The boss wouldn’t happily let the heir run off to Rex knows where, probably the jaws of a carnivore.
Louis would easily be found and caught, then he’d be punished. A punishment worse than getting a gift from the boss whenever his feelings about his son were indiscernible.
There was only one other option the star actor could think of. It was idiotic, but in the spur of the moment Louis got up from his seat—the chair falling back with a loud thud as it hit the floor—and exclaimed, “I can’t marry Azuki!” That immediately got everyone’s attention, something he was used to and craved, but unnerving and anxiety inducing in this situation.
Junichiro was the first to react, scornfully he asked, “And why not?” The rest of the deers at the table were speechless at the heir’s bold statement.
Louis thought long and hard regarding what he was about to do. Was it too late to turn back now? The answer was yes, for Ogma was already clearly upset with him. “I… I already promised to marry someone else.” At this point the star actor was just making things up as he lied through his gritted teeth.
The boss slammed his hand against the table and yelled, “Who!?” Louis flinched, he had never seen his father so full of emotion, even if it was out of pure rage.
The heir tried thinking of a name, someone he knew who could help the lie keep in its pristine image, someone who wouldn’t mind being dragged into a mess they never started, someone who wouldn’t mind being romantically involved with Louis.
Only one animal came to mind, he fit the description perfectly. So, Louis rattled off his name. A name everyone in the room would soon come to despise.
The ride back home was silent. Louis didn’t even have the courage to look at his father anymore, he was sure Ogma didn’t even want him to anyway. The heir wanted to get on his hands and knees and ask for forgiveness, that he made up and deeply regretted everything, but truthfully he wasn’t.
A part of Louis was almost relieved he said all those things. If the star actor knew that the boss was so willing to sacrifice his son’s happiness, then the little fawn years ago would rather be locked away in his cage and inevitably eaten by carnivores than trust Ogma.
Eventually, Louis slowly turned to check on the boss. Ogma had taken off his glasses and was rubbing his temples. The star actor opened his mouth, wanting to ask his father if he was ok, but soon shut it, he ultimately decided to give the boss time to process everything that was happening.
Meanwhile, Louis needed to think about how he’d explain to Legoshi that the heir needed his help tricking his father and what should’ve been his family-in-law that the two of them were a couple and fully committed to the other.
When the limousine came to a halt, Louis glanced out the window and was surprised to see they were back at Cherryton Academy. It was the weekend, meaning students were allowed off-campus. The star actor was supposed to ”spend time” with his father back at the Horns Estate.
Louis immediately looked back to the boss, wanting to ask why they were here, but Ogma, who was staring directly at him, unwaveringly informed his son, “You’re to stay here until I know what to do with you.” Wordlessly, the heir understood and swiftly got out of the car.
Louis watched as the limousine drove away, leaving him in its dust. The star actor walked back onto school grounds with his head held up high, he had an image to maintain.
He only made it a couple of steps before stopping. Nobody was around, they were probably spending quality time with their loved ones. So, Louis let his head sink, ears droop, and fist ball in anger.
Weighing heavily against the deer’s conscience was resentment for his father, not just him but anyone involved in that stupid arranged marriage.
It was a bright, sunny day, perfectly contrasting against Louis’ emotions. His face suddenly felt wet, so he brought up a sleeve to clean up the mess, just like the scared and powerless little fawn he used to be all those years ago. Perhaps that same fawn was still present and locked away in the suffocating cage that threatened his life.