"You know, when they said this was the Drama Club I didn't think it would be so in the literal sense. Now, how about you relax Louis, or do I really have to shoot you?"
"..."
"Come on deer boy. No one needs to die today. Bill is an ass, but I don't think he deserves to have his head blow off because of it."
"H-Hey! I already said it was an accident!"
"For fuck sake! Put the fucking gun down Louis! What are you thinking?!"
"He won't listen for some time Shiira, everyone needs to calm down and wait."
"Durham, why in the hell you also have a gun?! Where's my gun? I wouldn't mind having one to be honest, considering a fucking murderer is on the loose and I rather have the chance to put a hole through the next asshole that tries to jump at me."
Durham would've rolled his eyes at Ellen's bold complain if the situation wasn't so serious. His finger was still slightly pulling at the trigger, his aim steady as he kept it centered at one of Louis legs.
The deer kept still, his eyes solely focused on Bill, his left arm fully extended as it was holding the gun, the other hand was bleeding from the injury caused by the tiger.
Louis was still lost in his brief state of panic. The gun he always kept hidden in his hip currently just inches away from Bill's muzzle. The tiger, for the first time Durham could remember, looked absolutely terrified. Not that he could be blamed for it, not when he was this close to certain death.
Durham could only guess that the blood dripping from the injury on one of the deer's hands was the reason to ignite this whole mess.
His eyes briefly scanned the vast room. The coyote saw six members currently present, most likely due them arriving early. Ellen, Shiira, Els, Bill, Tao and Kai were the only ones present aside Louis and Durham himself. Thankfully this terrible event will be easy to keep under secrecy if things end smoothly. Durham wanted no snitches.
The deer seemed to slowly come to his senses as things went quiet around him, his eyes regained a bit more of focus as they moved around with more frequency, scanning the area around him with caution. His arm slowly descended, the gun no longer threatening the massive feline.
Durham let out a small breath of relief, lowering his gun away from the deer. A relief that was felt by Bill, who was more than thankful for not getting shot at.
The others shared looks of concern and uneasiness, unsure of what to think or say in the current situation. Yet, they all were clearly less tense once guns were no longer being pointed at anyone.
Louis calmly holstered the gun back into the hiding spot at his back. A place that concealed the gun remarkably well. Durham did the same, although using a hidden holster on one of his legs.
The deer carefully inspected the wound on his hand, the blood dripping at a constant rate, he was unfazed by the sight.
"Els... could you pick up the first aid kit? I might need to patch this already." Louis requested somewhat quietly.
Els jumped a bit at having her name uttered all of sudden. She stared hesitantly at Louis before making her way to the office.
Durham walked away from the deer, his eyes glancing back with caution as he approached Ellen. The zebra was standing near the mirror wall alongside Shiira. He noticed that both females were whispering to each other at a frantic rate. His ears managed to pick some of that conversation before they stopped abruptly as he got closer.
"...on't think we should even partake into the weekend. This is insane."
"I know, I know, but Durham can provide us some safety, he has one too after all. I rather be with him than stuck here with Louis."
"Only you would think it's fine to go on with it. I rather avoid trouble if I can Ellen. There's a reason I ended up things with Tao."
"You have to be joking. Bill almost got shot at because he scratched Louis by accident. He's a fucking time bomb about to go off and I don't want to be near him when it happens."
"Well, you have a point there..."
"We can talk later, Durham is coming our way."
"So, what did I miss?" The coyote asked with a smirk on his face, pretending that nothing really important happened. "I heard you folks were going to do some rehearsing, though I expected the drama stuff to be reserved to the actual show, not the backstage aswell."
"Of course you would try to play this out like it's nothing." Shiira said while rolling her eyes. "Yes, we had plans, but now that really won't matter. After Louis decided to put a show of his own, I don't think anyone will feel up to do anything at all."
Durham shrugged, his eyes shifting towards Ellen. The Zebra returned his attention with a smile and a glance of uncertainty.
"I mean, we were supposed to be doing our last rehearsals for the Summer Festival. I just don't think that anyone will be able to concentrate after what happened."
"I do agree with that Stripes. Do you thin-
"Hi everyone!" Came the incredibly cheerful and resonating greeting from a very familiar wolf.
All present shifted their attention towards Juno standing at the entrance, she looked extremely content for whatever reason. Most members walked towards the wolf to greet her, every one of them looking pleased to see the canine.
"Hey Juno! How are you? Any plans for today?" Asked Els with a cheerful attitude that quickly replaced the one of anxiety she had seconds earlier. One would think she was desperate to forget what just happened.
Even Bill, despite having just faced certain death, seemed to be able to crack a smile at seeing the female wolf among them. Although it was very likely he was thankful for the shift of attention.
All the other members came to gather around the wolf, most greeting her with sympathetic smiles while others just wanted a reason to distract themselves from the early incident.
Louis stood and watched, his face incapable of masking the absolute surprise at seeing how Juno was being so well received by the other members. The way they swarmed around her spoke volumes of her rising popularity.
Durham could only frown as Ellen left his side to go talk with Juno along everyone else except Louis and Shiira. He didn't mind Ellen choosing to talk with the wolf, but it was the sight of another familiar wolf that had him confused.
Legosi, for whatever reason, showed up alongside Juno. Something that went unnoticed by most since Juno's sudden appearance seemed to eclipse everything around her. Yet, the way Legosi timidly evaded everyone else while walking near the walls, stopping to glare at Louis for a moment, made the coyote extremely wary of his behavior.
'What's up with him? I don't usually see him expressing much but, that look... it's quite worrisome.'
The coyote was about to head for the taller canine, but the sudden vibrating sensation of the phone in his pocket made him pause. Durham sighed and picked the device without bothering to check the call ID. He internally hoped that it wasn't his mother again.
"Yes, who is this?"
"Humm, is this Durham Ca-"
"Yes, it's me!" The coyote cut off quickly, alarmed by the mention of his surname. "And you would be?"
"Oh, name's Bonin Fujiwara. I work at the new food delivery store. Well, I actually manage it since it's kind of a family thing and my brothers are managers on other two in different towns, but anyways. I received a... well, 'request' would be putting it very kindly. A very insistent indication from a rather angry female coyote about your very person. So, I'm not really sure what your talents are, but I'm not very fond of the idea of being served as an appetizer for one of my own deliveries."
Durham felt the air inside his lungs freeze for a moment. Did his mother actually threatened someone to hire him?! He let out a breath of frustration once his thoughts were properly gathered.
"Urgh, I'm sorry about that Mr. Fujiwara, my mother can be overzealous at times when is something related about me. I'm pretty sure she won't chop you into pieces if you refuse her... errr, request."
A laugh followed after his reply, whatever Fujiwara thought about the situation didn't seem to have upset him in the slightest.
"Yeah, I do understand mothers. Mine wasn't that carefree either, at least not as much with me than my brothers. Still, I do have some questions for you before we set an interview. That if you have time and, please, call me Bonin. I ain't that old to be referred as Mister, not to mention it sounds weird. Heh, not even my old man likes being addressed like that."
"Sure thing for both. What kind of questions you have?" Durham asked, his eyes contemplating the scene before him.
Some other members had just arrived. Louis, with an incredibly amount of audacity, was throwing one of his speeches about the importance of the Festival's performance and expecting the maximum amount of dedication from all of them.
Needless to say Ellen flipped the deer while Bill grunted something like 'Or what? You're gonna shoot us?'. The others mostly just stared with blank expressions or frowned in annoyance at his attitude.
Juno was mostly confused as to why so many were being so negative towards Louis, she was even more surprised to see Legosi glaring at the deer. She seemed to ask him what was wrong, but Legosi just waved her off.
'Never a dull moment in the Drama club. Damn, ain't this place interesting?' Durham thought with an inexplicable amount of pride.
"So, my first question would be... do you happen to have a driver's license?"
Durham felt his confidence drop a little. He wasn't expecting for this job to require him to be able to drive. Sure, he knew how to drive, his foster father taught him well enough, but a license was an entirely different matter.
"No, I'm afraid not. I was just about to set for exams during the summer break actually."
"Hmm, but do you know how to drive though?"
"... I hope whatever we talk about stays in between us."
A chuckle followed Durham's subtle request. It seems that Bonin wasn't worried about the coyote's transgressions.
"Sure. Just between us. How many years you have behind the wheel?"
"Huh, about four years. Though I haven't been on it much due school and all of that. I... kinda hoped I could become a race driver someday."
A silence followed the canine's words. Durham wasn't sure what to make of the absence of sound in the following seconds of utter silence.
"Yeah... you will do. Can you show up today?"
Durham felt apprehension overtake him. The location of the food service was on a rather dangerous part of town, he did warn the group where they were going, but he still has his doubts. He just hoped Shiira wouldn't be too upset with him.
"Huh, I can try. I will be with a couple friends and my g...errr, another friend of mine. We had set to go out today."
It was obvious that Bonin wasn't fooled by Durham's little slip of tongue.
"Oh, so you have a girl. Say, I hope she doesn't end up being as suggestive as your mother is."
Durham winced at being remembered of his mother's aggressive behavior. He was really tempted to call her on that matter later on. Also, he wasn't really sure about letting Bonin think that the coyote and Ellen were even a thing. Yet.
"She... isn't really peaceful per say, but she ain't a coyote either so there's nothing to worry about."
"Oh? Dating outside of species, huh? Good for you. Great age to try new things. We have a deal then?"
"Sure!I will be there by dusk. Thank you Mr... err, Bonin." Durham corrected himself sheepishly.
"Heh, see you later then Durham, take care."
Durham closed the call while looking elsewhere distractedly, he was feeling elated at the great opportunity he's been granted. Getting a job and being able to drive? He couldn't have hoped for a better outcome, he just wondered how he was going to drive around without a license. Perhaps Bonin has something to work that problem around? He wouldn't know for sure until he visited the establishment.
"Durham? Hey, Durham!"
The coyote blinked, confused for a moment as he became self aware of his surroundings. It surprised him to see that it was Tao the one who called for him.
"Huh, yeah? Sorry, I was kinda thinking on something."
Tao chuckled as he came nearby the coyote, his expression somewhat forlorn despite the attempt at being cheerful.
"Must've been a lot then. Say... I heard you're going out to downtown today?"
Durham bristled at that question.
"Great, who's been running their tongue around? As if it really matters to anyone else."
Tao hesitated, unsure if he should say anything else considering how upset Durham got about him asking.
"Well, it was kinda running around, especially with the thing that you and Ellen have going on." The feline explained nervously. "It got everyone curious and worried, especially the Herbivores."
"Let me guess," Started Durham after a heavy sigh. "They are pulling on their own tails about a Herbivore and Carnivore going out together? Pfff, I just don't really care about their stupid worries. Neither does Ellen. She can handle her own better than any of these spineless mouthfuls. Yet, I get this strange feeling that you're not here to ask about me or Ellen." Durham frowned at the panther who visibly gulped once he realized his true reasons have been easily uncovered. "Tao... do you really think worrying about Shiira is a good idea? I get that you still care, but... chasing after her it's only going to make things worse."
Tao didn't reply, content on just looking away from the canine, his expression of utter hopelessness made Durham feel bad for him. The coyote wondered at times how would be the case if Ellen was the one who dumped him. The mere thought of it made him shiver.
"Hey, cheer up. I must imagine it ain't easy, but... maybe it was not meant to be. All you can do is learn from what went wrong and make it better next time." The coyote advised sympathetically. Tao nodded thoughtfully.
"Yeah, I guess." He replied hesitantly. "Say, are you and Ellen a thing? Or everyone is just talking way more than they should? Wouldn't be the first time people exaggerate things." Tao asked, his expression of genuine curiosity. Durham scratched his chin distractedly, his mind making up the choice of whether he should say anything at all.
"Maybe? Would it be a bad thing? Ellen is unlike any other girl I've meet."
"Well, she is tough, I can't argue with that." Tao conceded with a shrug. "Way more abrasive than Shiira and hella strong. Equine nature I suppose. Yet, the other Carnivores might not understand it that way. There's always someone to judge the situation, I just hope you know what you're getting yourself into."
"Yeah... me too."
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"YOU WHAT?!"
"Don't yell! I don't need the entire school to hear it."
"Legosi... you have to be joking. After all the avoidance and the things you told me..."
"I... Juno and I talked. More than I ever talked to anyone that wasn't Jack. It's... she told me about her, and... I kinda understand where she's coming from. I guess we have similar views on some things, is just we go different about how we deal with them."
"Yeah, sure. That happens with tons of people, but we all saw how you were running your tail off like a scared pup every time Juno's shadow showed up."
"Huh, straight to the point, as usual, Ellen."
"I want something, I go at it. I don't lay around wasting time."
"Now that's not entirely true..."
"Quiet Straw, or you will have less teeth to munch on your dinner this night."
"... Straw?"
Durham merely grunted in response to Legosi's confusion. The coyote was still trying to grasp the completely one-eighty the wolf did in regards to his stance towards Juno.
Sure, he couldn't blame the wolf for trying to make amends and all, but to ask Juno to go out?! That was dangerously close from insinuating a date of sorts. The only reason Legosi came up with this was because of Jack's mention of his walk downtown with Shiira. Durham had a nagging suspicion that Legosi was using Juno as an excuse to keep an eye on Jack.
It was endearing, yet somewhat insulting, that the wolf didn't consider that the coyote could keep an eye on the group.
"Fine, whatever you say Legosi. But if Juno starts sucking your face don't go crying afterwards."
Legosi's eyes widened at the implication. He opened his mouth to retort but no words came out, mostly because arguing with Ellen wasn't exactly a good idea.
Durham was perfectly content with smiling towards the anxious wolf, his admiration for the zebra only growing stronger.
"Speaking of unexpected stuff... Legosi, what was up with you glaring at Louis this morning? I known you well enough to know that you don't usually do that kind of stuff without a really good reason." Durham asked while raising an eyebrow towards the wolf.
"Oh, that... huh, it's... complicated." Legosi replied, his attention shifting elsewhere. Ellen huffed dramatically in response.
"Whatever it is you shouldn't beat yourself up. Louis being a real ass lately and I rather stay away from him. I'm pretty sure he ain't staying here for a fourth year if all the Beastar thing goes his way. I just hope we can get someone to lead the club that won't be such a stuck up like he is."
Legosi stared, amazed at how upset Ellen was in regards to the deer. Durham, not wanting to miss the chance, decided to add to the conversation with a very unfortunate comment.
"You're just being salty cause Louis couldn't care less about your pretty face when you were being all smitten towards him."
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"Hey Jack, you're ready to go downtown?"
"Sure thing Dur-... what happened with your eye?!"
The coyote shrugged as he made his made to his bunker, opening a small wardrobe in search of better clothes for the wondrous occasion they would be living through in moments. Jack was glancing at him worriedly from the side, his mind racing to understand what the coyote got himself into to earn such a nasty injury.
"Errrr... it's going to be swollen for a few hours, but nothing to worry about." Durham said in an attempt to lighten up the mood. Jack snorted in disbelief.
"Are you sure? Ellen might get uneasy by seeing you like this."
"Oh... yeah, I'm pretty sure she won't mind. Trust me on that. Now let's get going, we have a long night ahead of us."
"Woah, did I heard this right?! You two have a date!?" Collot showed up all of sudden, his voice booming across the dorm like thunder. Unavoidably it caught the attention from the other male in the dorm.
"Jack and Durham got dates? No way." Miguno said, looking deeply impressed. "Damn, Collot you're lagging behind really bad."
The sheppard huffed, both annoyed and humored at the same time.
"Yeah, perhaps. Ladies haven't yet met my full charm! It's not like I've been trying too hard anyways. Now, these two? Ha! They are really trying to live life to the fullest, good on them!"
"You call it date, I call it 'getting away from you' for once." Durham replied cheekily. Collot laughed it off, unfazed by his comment.
"Sure, with that sharp tongue I bet you're bound to make any girl itchy, in many ways." He said with a snicker. "I can tell she already left her mark on you, considering how purple your face is looking right now."
"What can I say, I always like to voice my thoughts. She can't blame me for being honest."
"Wait! So that... Ellen punched you?!" Jack asked, realizing the implication being throw off in between the two. "Why?"
"Why, you ask?" Miguno said, his voice carrying an undertone of humor. "Because Durham always says things he shouldn't. Blunt, bold, and stupid at times."
"Sounds about right." Durham said unashamed. Miguno shook his head while Collot just patted the coyote on the back.
"Ha! Never change Durham! At least someone goes to the point here! Legosi is always keeping to himself and Jack shakes like a leaf in a tornado every time we go on about girls."
"Not true, I just feel some of the topics you guys go on about females to be a bit... errr, 'extravagant'." Jack argued back defensively.
"What? About butt size and tits?" Durham replied with a chuckle. Jack groaned as he walked away towards the bathroom. "Gez, I guess I won't mention all the porn mags then."
"Say, you two are leaving for your dates right now?" Miguno asked, frowning as a problem came up his mind. "Might not be late on the way back though. They are being very tight about our time spent outside the school grounds, especially at night. Whoever killed Tem might be still out there somewhere."
"Yes, I do understand that. Yet, we will be at the town, I will have way more to worry about than a murdered on the loose inside the school." Durham responded hastily. "Besides, I don't have to worry anyways. Legosi will be going with us, he's got a girl to go with after all, it's n-
"WHAAAAT?! LEGOSI GOT A GIRL?!" Collot yelled in absolute shock. From afar they could hear Jack gasp from inside the bathroom, the labrador came running back panicking.
"I-I't's not what it looks like!" Jack explained nervously. Durham stared at him dubiously.
"What you're talking about? Did Legosi told you about Juno?" The coyote asked with genuine surprise. He didn't expect Legosi to mention about it so quickly to the labrador.
"Juno?" Jack asked, looking even more confused than the coyote. "Errr, what are you talking about?"
Durham glanced around, wondering what in the hell was going on with this conversation. What was Jack implying? He knew about Legosi having a girl, but it wasn't Juno he was expecting? What was going on here?
Collot and Miguno seemed at complete loss at the unfold of events. Collot was in a complete state of utter disbelief, being outdone by three of his roommates in a spam of few weeks was not doing well for his pride.
"We better get dressed Jack. We will have time to talk about this tomorrow. Let's enjoy the night for now, besides, I kinda have a place in mind for us to have dinner."