Raised by Lions

Chapter 60: Epilogue

The sun is just starting to set, a pleasant breeze coming in from the ocean and cooling the afternoon air.

Louis lights a cigarette, leaning on the railing of the highest roof in the Market, looking out over his world. The quiet click of claws on the cement behind him signals Legosi's arrival.

The wolf stops beside him, grabbing a cigar from one of his pockets. Louis flicks open his own lighter, lights it and holds it out to Legosi, who smiles and uses the flame to light his cigar.

Louis is in a red suit with a green shirt and Legosi feels like he could stare at him forever. He thinks Louis is the epitome of beauty. Legosi is in the Dokugumi uniform he wears most of the time these days, the scales on his shoulders shining like emeralds in the setting light. Louis adores them.

They share a quiet moment while finishing their respective choice of nicotine. The stubs are thrown over the railing, uncaring for where they land in the street below them. The nightlife is just starting to awaken, unbeknownst that the two most powerful Dons of the Market are watching over them.

Louis turns to lean back against the railing, perfectly calm and content. Legosi hops over the railing, choosing to sit on it with his feet dangling off the side of the building. His too-long tail twists around one of the wrungs for extra stability.

"All of this really is ours now," Louis comments, still in awe of all they've achieved despite being so young. There's a lot of great things still yet to come from their rule.

"It's hard to believe all we've achieved so far," Legosi says into the wind. Louis hears it as clear as if it were broadcasted to the world. He feels alive in a way he couldn't describe to anyone who didn't already understand.

"How's Ibuki and Dolph doing?" Legosi asks, tilting his head to face Louis at his side.

"They left this morning for a long overdue honeymoon. I don't think they'll be back anytime soon," Louis smiles as he says it, taking out his phone to show Legosi a picture of his lion dads on a beach somewhere several towns over.

Legosi chuckles, "Long overdue is correct. They deserve it." Louis smiles even wider.

"What about Gosha?" Louis ventures, getting a dopey smile from Legosi.

"He's reconnecting with Toki and Yafya, yeah like Yafya the previous Beastar, and making good on old promises. I can't believe I had to explain polyamory to them though. At least that stopped Toki and Yafya from beefing over grandpa's attention," Legosi laughs. Louis chuckles a little as well.

"He's enjoying his retirement though, so I'll take that as a win. Doesn't worry too much about everyone still hanging around after I took over."

"That's good to hear. Speaking of Beastar. Did you see who took over as Sublime Beastar from Yafya?" Louis leans back, halfway over the railing.

"No, should I have? Outer City politics aren't something we dabble in, usually," he acquests, meeting Louis' eyes while simply referring to the Dokugumi.

Louis chuckles again, "Of course not. Haru is the new Beastar, and from what I've heard, she's making fire under the police force to better focus on the City and less on the Market."

"Really? Good for her. They let a dwarf rabbit become Beastar though? That's surprising. Do you think she knows we're back here and about the things we do?" Legosi asks casually. It's not something to worry about at the moment, but may become difficult in the future if she knows and tries to interfere. It would be a shame to have to 'remove' her from office.

"I don't think she knows, but we can't be sure. She's always been a tricky one," Louis playfully waves his hand at nothing in particular. They laugh again.