Song of the Beasts (Beastars)

Moonlight

For the rest of club hour, Mari and  Legoshi just talked and got to know one another. She found out that he had an interest in insects and used to live with his grandfather before he came to Cherryton. 

Legoshi was shocked to discover that Mari's dad was the CEO of a big record label. 

"I actually love music a lot, and my dad even offered to promote me. But I'm no good in front of an audience, that's why I didn't join the music club."

"If it helps, I think you have a great voice." Mari blushed at the compliment.

"Thanks, Legoshi. But I'll just stick to stage crew. I find it more fun than running around on a stage." They heard Sanu announce that club hour would be ending soon and everyone needed to change for class. "Guess we better get going." The two got up and headed for the ladder.

"Actually, I have one more question." Legoshi said as Mari turned to him.

"What's up?"

"Your full name, I don't know why but I was wondering if it meant something, like in another language." Mari smiled at his curiosity and observation.

"Actually, it does. My name actually means Butterfly in Spanish. My dad named me that because when he adopted me, there were a lot of butterflies around that day."

'Butterfly...that's actually kinda perfect for her.' They left the drama room after changing back into their uniforms. Turns out they had two classes together after lunch. As the day went on, Legoshi found him getting used to Mari's scent. Instead of associating it with that one night, he now found comfort in it, almost like a non-lethal addiction.

As they walked out of their last class of the day, an announcement came over the intercom.

"Students, please report to your designated rooms for environmental time."

"Environmental Time?" Mari looked at Legoshi confused.

"Yeah, its an hour out of the week where we hang out with members of our own species in habitats made for us."

"Hm, well then I guess I should go back to my dorm then." Mari said.

"I actually have to go talk to Louis about something first," 

"Heh, good luck with that." Mari said in a tone that Legoshi thought sounded like bitterness. 

'Does she know Louis or something? Why did she say it like that?'

"Well, I won't be at drama club tomorrow, but I'll still see you tomorrow. It was nice getting to talk to you, Legoshi. See ya!" Mari said as she waved goodbye to him. He waved back and watched as her figure got smaller, her scent fading as well. His tail began to wag at the thought of hanging out with her again.

Timeskip

After Legoshi's some what scarring meeting with Louis, he went to his designated environmental  room. As he sat there, he couldn't help but think about Mari. The way she treated him, like he wasn't just a carnivore. She treated him like a friend and actually liked being around him. He looked forward to spending more time with her.

Over the next few days, the day of the play got closer. Mari and Haru had talked and now that they put the incident with Legoshi behind them, there was no awkward tension. 

At drama club, Mari helped Legoshi set up the lights in the auditorium. At one dress rehearsal, she noticed something off with Louis. Every now and again, it would almost seemed as if he was limping.

'Something's not right. If he's hurt, no telling how long he's been hiding it. What an idiot.' During one the last rehearsals, Mari found Louis hiding backstage, and she was right. His ankle was bruised and swollen, probably broken.

"You really are an idiot, you know that." He gasped when he saw her leaning against wall behind him.

"I'm fine."

"Like hell you are. I'm surprised you can even still walk." She kneeled in front of him, her eyes glinting in disappointment. "Why didn't you say something sooner."

"I don't need pity. I just need to get through both performances, then I'll go to the hospital." Mari scoffed.

"Trust me, I'm not pitying you. But I do suggest wrapping it, tightly. It wont do much, but it'll at least stop it from getting any worse." Louis cracked a small smile. He was glad she wasn't giving him pity, instead she called him out on his recklessness. He missed that about her.

"Fine, but," He grabbed her hands and pulled her closer, their noses almost touching. "Only if you do it for me." He smirked as her face turned a light shade of red.

"I-I'm not your personal nurse, ya know."

"I won't do it otherwise." Mari growled at his stubbornness and sighed in defeat.

"Fine. I swear, your like a child sometimes." She went grab a first-aid kit and got to work. When she was done, she pulled him to his feet. "There, how does that feel?"

"A kiss might make it feel better." He teased her. Her face burned again and he was met with a flick to the forehead. He chuckled at her flustered state.

"In your dreams, horn head." She said but he didn't miss the small smirk on her face as she left.

Timeskip

The day of the first performance came in no time. Everyone was lined up as Louis gave a pep-talk. Despite saying that this club was a team, Mari could tell Louis wasn't saying what he was really thinking. Nobody needed those words as much as he did.

Mari and Legoshi climbed to the rafters and got the spotlight into position.

"Louis' makeup is done. Spotlight one ready?" A voice came through their headsets. 

"Ready." Legoshi replied. The curtain opened and Louis ran out. 

'He's moving too fast.' Mari thought as Louis fell to one knee, it was an accident but somehow he made it look like it was on purpose. 'He's just made his ankle worse.'

The rest of the play went smoothly. Mari was amazed at how Louis was able to stay in character so well despite the pain he was in, he really was an incredible actor. The final scene played out smoothly, but from her view Mari could see Louis starting to tilt. The audience cheered, but Louis was barely hanging on.

"Close the curtain now!" She ordered into her headset and quickly climbed to the ground. As soon as the curtain shut, Louis collapsed.

'Did you see me, Mari? I did it.' He thought as he passed out. Mari ran and kneeled next to Ellen. She threw off Louis' mask, his face was pale and covered in sweat

"We need to get him to the infirmary, now!" She yelled and pulled his head onto her lap.

'I hope this was worth it for you, Louis. Stubborn idiot.'