Raised by Lions

Chapter 30: More School

Legosi sat by the side of the stage, messing with the new lights they got to ensure they'll work for the next performance. He'd gotten good at adjusting electrical wiring since joining the Club. Most of the rest of the stage crew were either painting props or sewing the costumes. Legosi had learned the prior year that he sucked at sewing, so he never tried to help with that anymore.

Every now and again though, his eyes would turn to watch Louis on the stage. The lead actor, another red deer named William, had all but demanded the Drama Club do a performance of Macbeth.

William was some rich CEO's son, which one, Legosi didn't know, but he'd overheard from all the girls in the Club that swoon over William about it. Legosi could admit William was good looking, he'd come to terms with his bisexuality years ago, but the prick didn't have much personality beyond hating carnivores and having money.

Louis and William were up on stage, with Ellen and Els, practicing one of the scenes. The way William and Sanu had decided, it would almost appear like a sort of dance around each other.

Legosi forced his eyes off Louis and back to the stagelight. He's known Louis for most of his life, so why was he suddenly so fascinating to look at? He shut the panel on the side of the light and set it to the side.

Before he could grab the next light to adjust it, he looked up as the stage creaked a little louder than usual. What happened next is more like a blur of motion and slowed time.

William had shoved his foot in front of Louis' and hooked it back, tripping the younger deer near the edge of the stage. Louis was heading for the ground and Legosi's body moved of it's own accord.

Louis landed in strong grey arms, grabbing hold of a shoulder that was attached to one of them. He had a shocked expression for a moment and so did everyone else who'd just seen that happen. Legosi had moved faster than anyone would've expected a wolf to be able to.

Louis forced his heart to calm down, relief washing over him at Legosi's quick reflexes. He sighed and patted Legosi's arm gently. Legosi bent down and placed Louis on his feet, though the arm around his lower back stayed there, hovering ever so gently.

Some of the herbivores backed away as Legosi's hackles raised and a low growl erupted from his throat. "Watch it, prettyboy!" He growled out. Louis blinked at him, even he was surprised at the metaphorical venom in Legosi's voice. He didn't feel any fear though, pride maybe, since Legosi was worked up over him. The wolf has always been very protective.

Seeing the scene escalate, and William backing away in fear, Louis turned to face Legosi fully and placed his hand gently on his shoulder. "Legosi, please calm down." Legosi frowned, "He tripped you off the stage!" The wolf replied incredulously.

Louis sighed and whispered, just loud enough for Legosi to hear him, "This isn't the Market. If you start this fight, we're both fucked." He patted Legosi on the chest this time. Legosi sighed, pulling his anger back in and letting his tail and hackles settle down, but not moving away from Louis.

Louis nodded and patted Legosi between the ears, an action that only Louis, Gosha and Savon were allowed to do. Louis then turned to Sanu, "Even if my friend's reaction was a bit... extreme, William is still responsible for this. I could've broken something or gotten a concussion!" He knew how to play this herbivore role by now, even if he still sucked at it sometimes.

Sanu nods and walks over to the stage quickly, standing beside Louis. "I-I do agree, Louis. William, you do not injure your fellow a-actors." The pelican sounded a little scared to speak out against the rich kid, but at least he tried. "Next time, you'll be suspended from the club." Sanu added firmly.