Being late or uncharacteristically late wasn't something anyone enjoyed. You're always bound by other animals' their expectations for you to be astute and punctual. Drama club was no much different, you either give one hundred percent or you're better off not showing up. However, that becomes quite hard when you fall asleep during Thursday language studies; Tao couldn't really help himself, it was just so unbelievably boring and catching shuteye has been something he always had issues with.
Plus, Bill's restlessness these past couple of nights has been screwing with his sleep schedule more than he liked. It being a miracle that with how often this happened, that his grades hadn't plummeted. And now, he had to strain his poor body even more, and the fact that the play was due this weekend certainly wasn't helping. Sometimes, he swore whatever deity was looking down from their high throne up in the sky had it out for him. Luckily, as a leopard, he was quick on his feet; for better or worse.
When an herbivore had to get somewhere in a rush: it was nothing out of the ordinary. But, when a carnivore does the same: others always tend to question your circumstances. Bursting through the red doors of your own club is no exception, all the animals' their head instantly drawn to the noise. Some animals gave him some strange looks as he passed through the room towards the locker rooms, all sweaty and breathing heavily. Some of them were on stage, others were going through the motions.
Him being late was nothing new nor surprising, everyone knew he had a proclivity towards being tardy. "Hello Tao! Good afternoon!", Sanu greeted with his usual smile and enthusiasm. The leopard nodded in response, feeling the need to apologize, yet not really sure if he should open his mouth while being like this. "You're a bit late, but it's nothing you should worry about. Just go ahead and change, so I can run everyone through the final preparations." It was already Thursday and the play was just two days away now. This week went by like lightning, or maybe he just slept through most of it; he didn't know nor care.
Scanning around the room, he thanked his lucky stars that Louis wasn't here, yet. He would've given him a primetime scolding for being late again. The leopard always had a knack for falling asleep in places that were less than appropriate. However, he swore this time wasn't his fault. Bill had been keeping him up with his constant walks around the room like some shitty marathon he had to run. Aoba waved at him, Els standing right next to him seemingly very angry for some reason, her frown gave her away. The eagle already seemed to know what had transpired, there was only ever one reason for him to be late to anything. Ironically, the tiger wasn't anywhere to be seen, better yet he didn't see him here Wednesday either.
Turning his head back to the pelican, he gave a slight smirk, "Oh, yeah, that's right. I'll... get to it then. Be back in a jiffy." Walking past the pelican and strolling towards the locker room, he felt a constant buzzing in his right pocket, feeling the urge to check it but not getting out his phone just yet. It would be better to get it out when he was done changing, figuring it odd that someone would try him at this time. They all knew he had club during these hours of the day. Entering the room he made a beeline towards his locker, getting out his red track pants and a white shirt.
After changing into those, he stuffed his uniform into the locker and took out his phone from the pant pocket. Apparently he had missed an incoming call, one of his brows raised at the sight. "Hmm, strange. Unknown number? Not even a caller ID?" Not even remotely remembering when the last time was when he got one of those. He doesn't have anyone blocked, otherwise they wouldn't even be on his phone. He contemplated calling it back; it could be important. But, it could also be one of those scam phone calls that were flying around constantly.
Multiple beasts got caught in phishing email scams or phone calls according to the news outlets. It would be a better idea to call the number back after club was over, already moving to put his phone back. As if on cue, the his phone blared causing him to almost drop it in surprise. The unknown caller once again trying to reach out. Almost in anger, he picked up and put the damn thing to his ear, "Tao speaking. Sorry but I have to ask, who is this?" The silence was deafening, until suddenly there was some rummaging at the other end and a sigh, the stranger seemingly preparing themselves to speak.
Being about ready to hang up, the leopard hovered his finger over the hang up button. "Hey, little bro", a familiar yet new voice spoke, it taking a few seconds for it to land who he is speaking to. What the fuck? Is this some lousy prank? Was D- no, he wasn't using a voice changer, he barely knew how to use a phone. There was no shot it was him, but with how distinct the voice was it had to be. "I know... it's been a while since we last... spoke. Let me cut to the chase: I saw what happened on the news and-"
Almost instantly, he started scowling; this wasn't someone he wanted to talk to, especially not now. If Tao hadn't been all black, you could see the anger rising to his face and his teeth clashing with vitriol. Nothing would be able to calm him down at this very moment, raising his voice louder than he had ever done against his brother, "AND WHAT, KIGATSU?! You figured you could just reach out to me after all this time?!" Multiple emotions could be heard when he spoke: sadness, confusion, fury and disbelief. Any and all worry he had for his brother's health had been replaced by resentment.
Tao was so relieved he was alright and would jump for joy if he wasn't so upset. Almost, he muttered how much he had missed him. However, there was a deep-seated feeling prickling under his skin, causing tears to almost well up in his eyes: it was abandonment. A deep growl formed at the back of his throat, "Now you suddenly care?! What about all those missed calls and ignored texts?! You had me worried to death, Kigatsu! I fucking thought you were dead!"
Sobbing the final word, now tears were in free-fall as he tried to wipe them away. There was nothing his brother could do to fix what he broke, he made his choice. "Tao... listen I... life has been-" He couldn't even bear to hear his voice, this oh-so familiar and amazing voice that he had associated with caring and safety now distorted into... something foreign. "No! You fucking listen!", the leopard yelled, angrily tensing the muscles over his entire body. "I don't give a shit about how tough life has been for you after you left us!" Momentarily, he looked back at the door to check if nobody had heard him scream at the top of his lungs.
If they had heard, they would most certainly question him about this later. The walls here were paper thin, so it wouldn't be all that surprising. He turned his head back to his phone and squeezed it like it was the devil. Cruelty seeped into his tone as he continued his tirade, "You've made your bed, now lay in it. Nobody in this family wants you back. We all hate you, Kigatsu." It wasn't true, he loved his brother more than anything, but having to deal with whatever consequences that would be in order if he came back... He was afraid it would be too much. If Kigatsu wanted to solve his problems, it was not going to be over the phone.
To put the final nail in the coffin of their relationship, he almost ended it there until Kigatsu began to speak once more, more resolute. "Don't kid yourself. You know better than I do that isn't true", his brother told, making Tao pull his finger away from the button. He has always been a terrible liar, he'd never measure up to Kiga. "I've been a terrible brother. I know that. You deserve better, but I just wanted to know if you were alright." Pathetic, that was what he was, not hanging up just so that he could hear him talk. Who does Kigatsu even think he is? This entire thing can't just be fixed by a simple 'I'm sorry' and the acknowledgment of his faults.
Allowing himself to relax, he sat himself down on the bench almost hunched over as he tried to gather himself. Taking in a lot of air, he let out a deep sigh. "I'm alright", Tao stated matter of factly, not wanting his voice to waver lest Kigatsu pick up on it. "This situation is nothing I haven't handled before. Same old song and dance." Even he couldn't guess why he called now of all times, whenever something like this happened: it wasn't like Kiga to just... ask something like that.
Maybe because this time it was in closer proximity to someone he cared about? There was a sigh of pend up relief at the other end. "Yeah, that's... good." An uncomfortable silence grew between the two of them, neither wanting to really respond first. After all these years it was... too awkward. Tao just decided to get straight to the point instead of letting it fester, "What do you want from me, Kigatsu? Can hardly imagine this call is to catch up." Even though he tried to keep his tone neutral, a bit exasperation slipped through. Almost as if this all wasn't real and he was still asleep in Language Studies.
For the first time in... ever, he heard Silver Tongued Kigatsu stumble over his words. "I - Uhm, well... I am - FFFFFFFUCK!" There was a moment of silence paired with an exhale. "Okay, over these past two and a half years: I kind of had a lot of time to think. Especially about my mistakes... and mainly regrets." Wait, is he actually taking accountability? Was he having a lucid dream or something? Kigatsu never said sorry for anything; he was either right or unapologetically wrong.
A part of his brother's voice broke, "Tao, I... I am sorry... for everything. All the shit mom has put us through, you didn't deserve any of that and neither did dad or D-" So close, yet so far; there he went blaming others for his problems again. Putting everything on her would be as accurate as shooting a pebble off a wall. "Damn you to hell and back, Kiga!", the leopard spat with righteous indignation, baring his teeth. "Get off that fucking pedestal! You shoulder just as much blame as everyone else!" Mom didn't make him drop out and run away: he did that all by himself.
If he could see Kigatsu right now, his bets were on that he flinched. Tao voice lowered significantly, almost turning soft. "Mom and dad love you, idiot. Even after what happened. When you left, they were inconsolable for months!" He held his device close as if he wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him awake; anything that'll make him come to his senses. What's worse is that Kiga never really gave a concrete reason or explanation for why he left.
One evening he was fighting with mom and the very next morning he was gone without a word. There was a scoff at the other end. "Yeah, right, as if. Within that wretched house I was never allowed my own autonomy!", Kigatsu replied with a mocking laugh. "The only thing that bitch and that pushover cared about was that I was exactly who they wanted me to be!" The leopard's face became dark red with fury, almost throwing his phone against the wall. He clutched the phone close to his maw making very sure his brother could hear him, "DON'T TALK ABOUT THEM LIKE THAT! YOU UNGRATEFUL FUCKING HALF-WIT!" If he were in front of him, Tao would itch to beat him up for saying such things about their parents.
This was exactly why he and mom never got along: Kigatsu is far too stubborn and confident in his own observations. "Wow!", Kigatsu exclaimed. "I blink and you actually grew a spine! Rex does exist!" For once, he was very content he couldn't see his brother's smug mug. He always thought he knew better for some reason or another. Ironically, he was a male replica of mom; two peas in a pod. Once again, Tao scowled angrily at the invalidation of whatever he said and how he brushed off mom and dad's feelings as crocodile tears.
I CAN NEVER HAVE A PROPER DISCUSSION WITH HIM! HE DOESN'T TAKE ANYTHING I SAY SERIOUSLY! "Listen jackass", he swore, grinding his teeth together. "If you're here to just talk SHIT about mom and dad and play off this entire situation like you're the victim: kindly fuck off and never return." This time he was dead serious; if this was the way he came back to them, he was better off not returning at all. The illusion that he was dead was probably a lesser burden on their minds than knowing that he's alive and consciously not returning to them.
With even more hatred put behind his words, his brother went on. "Oh, Tao, naïve little brother, you truly think I am here to sucker up to our parents and return myself to the status-quo?" Balancing the phone in his hand, he looked away in annoyance. What did he even expect? Kigatsu has never been sorry for anything in his entire life. Every decision he makes is always in his best interest. All the animals that were coincidentally in the way are just collateral. Last thing he's going to do is apologize when he thinks he's in the right.
Tao let out a sardonic laugh, not wanting to show how much that got to him, "That's the funniest joke I've ever heard. I actually thought you wanted to make amends. Bye, Kiga." Not soon after he said that, he hung up and swiftly blocked the contact. Good fucking riddance. Taking a couple of deep breaths, he put his phone into his locker and was going to move on with his life. That phone call barely lasted longer than three minutes, nearing four and he's already exhausted. Just when he was about to close the locker, his phone blared loudly again. How many burners does that asshole have? What he even wanted from him was still left up in the air, because he never bothers explaining himself. And it wasn't because he was worried about him because of the devourings, that was bullshit.
Kiga wasn't the type to offer his sympathies, especially not when it was unrequited. Tao was going to hate himself for making this decision. With all the hesitation in the world he moved his left arm. Picking up again, he put it on speaker this time. Kigatsu spoke quickly and without hesitation, glee evident in his voice, "Felid Favor~! You owe me one, so I'm cashing in! Tomorrow night, 8:15 PM, storage units near the lower fence. Non-negotiable, see you then! Bye, little bro!" Immediately hanging up as soon as those words left his maw, leaving Tao with the implications of what he had just told him. The leopard's face slowly changed to one of horror, starting to clutch his head. "No... NO, FUCK! SHIT! YOU ASSHOLE!"
There was no expression within their language to describe how screwed he was. Only now he realized that he still had one from way back in middle school, typical of Kigatsu to keep one of them saved up. Felid Favor was one of the most important unwritten binding vows in feline culture, even though only few still practice it: not following up on one is grounds for social excommunication. You don't hand those out lightly, so if he didn't show up he would basically be telling the world that he had no respect for himself or their culture.
Putting his phone back, he slowly crept towards the door, hoping to clear his head during club and remove this sense of impending doom. A very deep part of him wanted to see his brother again, but another one was screaming at him to not give them the satisfaction. He really couldn't use this, right now. The play was only three days away and he had to be well-rested for his part. Entering the room, everyone circled around the stage to hear Sanu give them a rundown of the final preparations that had to be done before the big night.
After the pelican finished, everyone started doing their last things; frankly, the entire debacle flew over his head. Kigatsu dropping all these bombshells on him truly took his mind for a whirl. Mindlessly, he strode off towards somewhere. "Tao." After all these years, what does his brother even look like? Would he have changed much from when he last saw him? What does he even do for a living? "Tao!", Ellen repeated with a yell, snapping him out of his daze, nearly allowing himself to bump into a wall face first. Blinking a couple of times he oriented himself, the zebra was speaking to him from his right. "I just asked you if you could help me. Did you hear me at all?" His expression said more than enough, making her sigh.
Making an effort to actually listen this time, Tao looked her in the eyes, albeit politely and without staring too hard. "S-Sorry, no. P-Please repeat that", he muttered with a strained expression. Can I please not piss anyone off today? I really can't use more drama than this club already provides. Not knowing if the look on her face was annoyance, disappointment or both. Crossing her arms and shifting her posture, she gave a huff before going right back to business. "My lines for your scene. I've been messing them up. I need your help with some hands-on experience tomorrow night."
That didn't sound much like a request and more like an order given out by a dictator, almost as if he'll be executed on the spot if he said anything but yes. This was Ellen he was speaking to: the most headstrong member of the club after Louis. But why so late, and a day before the play no less? "Uhm, sure?", the leopard agreed unsure of his answer. "But... can't we do it here? We have a lot of time right now... Why tomorrow night?" Rolling her eyes, she scoffed as if he just said something stupid. Now he felt like an idiot for even asking, even if he didn't know why.
It wasn't helping much that his thoughts were distorted by a tornado known as Kigatsu. Is it that hard for anyone to just give it to him straight, instead of playing all these games he had no clue on how to play? "Because", Ellen began as if she were speaking to a child. "Today I am practicing my choreography and I just want to put the final touches to my lines." An incredulous look spread across Tao's face, he would have to refuse and he didn't know what was worse: saying no to her or his brother.
Before he even opened his mouth, Ellen continued, a bit more pleading this time, "Alright, I get that it's inconvenient, but I really, really need your help Tao. I have been messing up that scene and I don't know why. Please." Her voice was low. Was it because she didn't want anyone to hear that's she's having difficulties? This is one of those moments in his life that nobody acts like he expects and he'll be the weirdo if he doesn't see them coming. He put a finger up, but she was a step ahead. "Fuck, fine!", she swore under her breath. "I'll sweeten the pot: I'll put in a good word for you with Louis next auditions. Just meet me at the abandoned pool, 20:45 sharp!"
That's the worst possible time, ever. Why doesn't anyone listen to what he has to say?! Does everyone just assume that he'll just follow along like some obedient kit? Is he invisible, is he dead? The leopard let out a sigh paired with a truly apologetic expression, "Ellen, I- Fine! I'll come, but can we please resche-" Before he even finished that thought, something heavy crashed in-between them, causing Tao to jump at least two meters backwards. There were a couple of shrieks and swears. His heart-rate spiking to levels he rarely experienced nor wanted to.
Meanwhile, Ellen was rooted to the floor, the stage-light that was dropped from above mere inches away from her feet. HOLY FUCKING SHIT! THAT NEARLY GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK! Seeing what the commotion was about, everyone looked over at them and when they saw the light: they looked up. The wolf that dropped the light frozen in place; his hands still in the same spot from where the spotlight slipped through his fingers. "LEGOSI!", they all yelled in tandem. The wolf having a look of shock, while turning his head downwards, meeting everyone's gaze totally wide-eyed.His maw shuddered, seemingly wanting to crawl back into himself if he could.
Swiftly the gray wolf retracted his hands, as if he had just committed a felony. "I a-am s-so sorry! I'll p-pay for t-the light!", he muttered almost incoherently, he looked down at both Tao and Ellen. "A-Are you guys alright?! You're n-not hurt?!" Kai pulled him away from the ledge, lest he accidentally fall down in his own ineptitude. Luckily, the light crashed face down, so the amount of glass shards flying around were kept to a minimum. And it seemed none of them lodged into anyone, so everyone got out of that mess unscathed. Still, it was strange. Legosi is always so meticulous and now he drops a spotlight.
That had never occurred before. The only way that could've even happened is if he was distracted by something. How long was he up there for anyway? From that high up you must see everyone... Adrenaline subsiding, Tao made his way over to Ellen to see if she was okay. Nobody dared flock to her, mostly because they were afraid of her blazing temper. Yet still, she stood there frozen in place; the only movement you saw was her chest moving up and down as she took in air. Rather carefully the leopard touched her shoulder, her breathing hitched and she snapped out of it.
From the moment he touched her, Tao could feel her heartbeat, making his fur bristle. Instantly, he let go, not knowing what the hell this was and why his teeth were on edge. Chalking it up to Fight or Flight, he took a couple of deep breaths through his nose. His arm muscles tingled in anticipation... of something. It felt... natural maybe even instinctive. What if it was the wrong thing to feel?"E-Ellen?", Tao called softly, her gaze met his and mellowed into relief. "Do I... need to take you to the nu-" The zebra shook her head and gave an appreciative smile which he had never seen on her before.
It even surprised a couple of other club members, as she didn't even bother cussing Legosi out like expected from her. Understandably, she walked off to gather herself, the leopard simply followed. "No, I'm fine. Thank you, Tao", Ellen replied while looking back, having calmed down a little. "I... think I'll just go back to my dorm room. The shock will have worn off if I catch some sleep. Are we still on for tomorrow?" Y'know what? I can do them both. Fuck Kiga and his stupid ass nonsense. Now he kind of felt like he owed it to her to show up; he wanted to cut her a break.
Giving an agreeable smirk, he nodded his head, "Sure thing. You mean that pool on the rooftop? I'll be there then." Her expression seemed to give an air of appreciation, before she resigned herself to the locker room to change. Changing her mind she turned around momentarily, "Okay, I'll see you then... Bye." With a sigh, Tao figured he should get back to... whatever he was doing. Suddenly, the wolf passed in front of him, broom in tow and with some tact, began cleaning up, having already come down from there to fix what he broke.
Although, there was something in his expression that looked... strange. It was... like he was in a far-off world. Tao couldn't exactly pin it down. The wolf was a gentle giant constantly swimming around in his own thought stream; the leopard was also no stranger to that. Imagining how strange he would look if he did the same. Maybe he was just looking into it too much, ironically letting himself wander into his thoughts too. Shaking his head, he figured he should probably do something more productive practicing his lines just in case. When in doubt try to prepare yourself for the inevitable.
A chore. Living in a dorm room with an Awassi and a Sardi sheep who were more prone to shedding their wool than the hairiest of Komondor dogs was always a chore. Naturally, both of Charlie's roommates were also total slobs, Sotto and Maru the both of them. And who has to clean up after them while they lazily lounge around in their bunks? Him, of course. Who else? Clothes and wool tufts were strewn around the room haphazardly, and there weren't a lot of spots that wasn't gathering dust by now. At the beginning of the year they had made agreements to who would vacuum and clean the room based on a strict regimen and timetable.
What did his mother call it again? 'Kabelsalat'? As of now, Charlie was the only one who even bothered with it anymore. For a couple of days, he wanted to see if they would care if they lived in a pigsty, no ill-will towards pigs, much to his own chagrin. But, apparently not; they went about their business just as leisurely as you might expect. Honestly, when he thought about having roommates he expected more than he bargained for. If one thing wasn't already painfully obvious: they didn't honor agreements or promises in the slightest, often scraping by on the bare minimum.
He wasn't a neat freak, not in the broadest definition of the term; he could also be very messy, but they were really crossing the line of what was acceptable. The only thing he has is a sense of basic hygiene and cleanliness. Charlie wouldn't even want to be seen dead in this room if anyone ever bothered to visit. There were a couple nightmare scenarios he rather wouldn't play in his head. For example, if Jack or anyone else from room 701 cared to visit his room for a change. Just the idea made the sheep's skin crawl. Straight up 'Fremdschämen' as his Babushka would call it.
Both Sotto and Maru knew that their lackadaisical attitude towards not getting rid of their wool from the floor will attract all kinds of vermin. Themselves excluded of course, pest control can only help you so much. In the past couple of days, he had thought about more extreme measures to get them to do something, like bringing a large breed carnivore to their room and scaring the absolute daylights out of them. But, none of his friends or acquaintances would appreciate it if he used them like that. And now he was stuck in a conundrum: either clean the room for the rest of the year or move out to a permanent residence outside of the dorm. Neither option sounding much better than the other.
Charlie has already gotten in enough arguments with them about this very subject too many times. Throwing in the towel and asking for a change of rooms sounded like the best option he had. Dropping down all the garbage he had picked up on the floor, he cleared his throat, neither of them even acknowledging his presence. "What do you want?", Sotto suddenly asked in English, his voice sounding debased and slightly offended at even having to speak to the peasant below his feet. "If you have something to say, consider me not interested." Not even bothering to turn his head away from his screen. They wouldn't even pay him that courtesy. His other roommate wasn't much better.
Before Charlie could open his mouth to retort, the Sardi sheep cut him off. "Hahaha! Sotto look at this! This is fucking hilarious!", Maru suddenly laughed boisterously, getting Charlie's attention too. What has the moron found now? Another gratuitous titty pic? The Awassi sheep walked over to their bunk, curious to what he wanted to show them. Without being invited, the Dorper sheep came along too, knowing it was probably something in extremely poor taste. Sotto sat next to him while Maru giddily motioned for the Dorper sheep to also come. Making sure both of them were watching as he clicked play on the video.
At first the screen was black, until the animal handling the camera pulled his screen up. It was just a couple of herbivores having fun and laughing: a rhino, an elephant, a gazelle and a pheasant; all male, all probably in their early twenties. Two of them were smoking cigarettes, something you wouldn't see a lot of animals doing in public spaces, except if they were trying to annoy those with sensitive noses intentionally. Suddenly, the camera panned to the other side of the street, where a mink barely out of middle school was walking with his backpack over his shoulders; looking at them as they continued to make a ruckus.
One caught onto that and called out to them, Charlie couldn't really be sure who it was, "HEY! CARNIVORE!" The kid across the street blinked twice, pointing at himself to confirm. He looked confused as to what they could possibly want from someone like him. "Yeah?! Who else?!", some other guy yelled. Before he even had time to process, they were already walking to the other side of the street and Charlie already had a horrible gut feeling where this was going. "Oh, Scheiße. Bitte nicht", Charlie pleaded with them, but he knew it was already too late, immediately getting shushed by Sotto and Maru. Both of them acting like they were about to watch an exciting scene from some show, smiling all the while as they continued to gloat.
While the video played on, there was a deep sense of unease within the Dorper sheep, because he had already seen stuff like this time and time again. Even back in Germany he wasn't spared from one of these things going totally viral online, much to the dismay and pleasure of many. This was just one speciesist snuff film in a toxic sea of them. When the mob finally reached the kid, the pheasant slung his arm over the mink's shoulder; his discomfort very clear as he carefully tried to pull away. You could see his nose scrunch up at the smell of cigarettes. "You were looking at us quite attentively... Are you hungry or something?" The most common bait question herbivore cowards used to get a reaction out of a carnivore, knowing that they couldn't do anything about it.
What sucked even more is that both 'yes' and 'no' were the wrong answers; the best one is giving a scoff and walking away. Ironically, they wouldn't have the balls to do this with a carnivore their own size or age. When their remark landed, the mink seemed genuinely insulted and a bit disgusted. The poor guy was in over his head and he hadn't even realized it yet; he was fighting a losing battle. When he finally spoke up, the inflection and bashfulness gave away that he was much younger than them, "I'm sorry, but I-" He hadn't even finished his thought before he was kneed in the stomach, making him lurch forward a coughing mess; gasping for air.
Their laughter at what was just happened was sickening, both his roommates and the guys in the video. Charlie didn't want to watch this, but continued staring anyway. He just simply couldn't avert his gaze from the screen. The rhino pulled the mink by the scruff of his uniform, making him look up, "Y'heard that, guys? He's apologizing for wanting a bite." From there it only escalated from bad to worse. The two minutes and thirty-seven seconds of the video's runtime dragged by like they were sitting there for hours. "Aw, look guys", the rhino cooed sadistically, turning his accent mockingly posh, the entire gang of them laughing at him. "He wants us to cease our assault on his person, even though he is a dirty meat eater!"
They were also yelling profanities at him, calling him every derogatory term in the book. The vicious beating the mink received almost making the Dorper sheep puke as he got more and more disfigured, while pleading for them to stop. Until it totally ceased, but those assholes didn't care and kept kicking and punching him all the while he lay motionless on the ground. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, an adult yelled at them and that's when the video cut out. Both of his roommates snickered and almost walked off to who knows where, until Charlie pushed them back having a look of condescension.
They just watched some poor, innocent kid get beaten within an inch of his life and this was their reaction? Some lousy laughs and snickers? A video which is somehow still up and being spread by miscreants like them?! Watching a literal crime scene unfold and this is all they had to say for themselves? Charlie spoke in Japanese this time, using the German accent both of them hated so much, "You guys are disgusting, disgraceful, poor excuses for bovines. Your mothers would weep if they saw you now." Sotto and Maru pretty much gasped at what he just called them, already having their trademark scowls paired with exasperation that they could actually understand him.
Ah, good they understood me. Thanks, Translate. "Wow, bravo!", Maru clapped back sarcastically, getting out of the bunk, looking thoroughly displeased. Standing face to face with him now, still speaking in English, knowing that Charlie wasn't anywhere near that level yet. "What's your problem all of the sudden? You watched the video too, didn't ya?" Not anywhere close for the reasons they did. They watched it to attain some sick sort of pleasure as some innocent guy gets beaten half to death by a bunch of cowards. If the guy was a little bit bigger or older, they wouldn't have even dared to cross the street. All he had within his mind for them was disgust.
Letting out a snide scoff, the dorper sheep shook his head. He loathed animals like them so much, those that never interacted with a carnivore a day in their lives. "Why are you being such a prissy princess now?", Maru asked. "What does it matter that some carnivore gets their ass handed to them? They deserved it for looking at them like that!" If he wasn't raised as well as he was, Charlie would have had half a mind to punch him on the jaw. How was he going to explain something as complicated as this to someone with the psychological condition of an elementary schooler? That was the fun part: he wasn't going to. It wasn't worth having this discussion with them, all that would do was throwing fuel to the fire.
Their disdain for each other was nothing but a post-it on this already fucked situation. Without them noticing, he swiped some of Maru's cigs. Casting them a sideways glance, he booked it for the door. "That's all beside the point, you idiots", Charlie proclaimed provokingly. "Know that I am going to be requesting a change of rooms. You guys do nothing but make me sick to my stomach." Making his way into the hallway, he slammed his door before they could even respond. And, so loudly that animals three rooms down could hear the commotion; one meerkat even opened their door. Furious would be selling his emotions short. Why couldn't they see what they were laughing and joking about was wrong?! Why couldn't they all just get along without all these voodoo strings involved?
There were always conditions set for conditions! This place was exactly the same as Germany maybe even worse! Not all carnivores were vicious, bloodthirsty beasts that were out to get them! I was so naive for thinking this country would be any better! Decency, all I fucking ask for is some decency! Walking through the front door of the herbivore dorm, he found himself on the outside, the air bristling through his wool as it cooled him down a little. Normally, he would storm off to Jenna's when he was angry or had a fight with his parents. They would talk and play games for hours; occasionally, he would also crash there just to make his dad extra nervous. Now everything was so far away, and all the familiarity got sucked out of his life and was replaced by this.
It's odd, he wasn't the type to be homesick, but now he almost had the urge to crawl back on both his hands and knees. Although, he knew his pride would never recover from such a blow. What he needs right now was a place for his head and some nice relaxation; away from all the drama and nonsense of the world. Getting his mind off of things. A walk. A stroll through campus would do him good. Maybe he could lie down somewhere and nap all his worries away, that would be excellent. Walking off the beaten path is something you could quite easily do here, even if the school went through the effort of making paved paths; walking by yourself and finding your own way was far more fun.
Oftentimes, he would use whatever excuse he could find back home to enjoy a walk through the forest. How often he would explore places with Jenna and the trouble it somehow brought them into more often than not. If there were any abandoned buildings or places on this campus, he would've definitely explored them by now. But, alas, only boring storage units and rooftops for him. There was nothing exciting to do in this wretched school! He's heard some loose ghost stories, but those were as credible as they could be, coming from a bunch of hormone riddled teenagers. They said that alpaca and rabbit that died are haunting the halls of the school, cursing whomever walks around them at midnight.
"Ridiculous poppycock!", as the British would say, but it was a funny idea nonetheless. Jenna, crazy jackal that she is, would've jumped at the opportunity with camera in tow; hoping to capture whatever horrors the school's halls concealed. Getting out his lighter, he lit up a cigarette and placed it in his mouth. It tasted like trash. It were those shitty knock-offs you could buy at every convenience store. As he strode through the dense tree line, it made him chuckle. She still had that ridiculous paranormal investigations BeastTube channel. He starred in plenty of videos, mostly reluctant as his vision in the dark was terrible and hated spiders. Those excursions not even scratching at least one hundred views per upload, them being mostly locals and friends who were along for the ride.
The last time was when they were exploring a really dark house and Jenna had to guide him through it, so he wouldn't fall through the floor. He got such a verbal lashing from his mother for getting himself alone in the dark with a carnivore. But, honestly, the idea that Jenna would do anything was stupid. They have known each other since they were small children, and she was more than adept at handling herself, mostly because she... His stream of thoughts was cut off, his wool bristled with... anticipation. His neurons fired. There was something, someone watching him. This is what he gets for venturing so far and being with his head in the clouds for so long. When it came to things like this, he was pretty adequate at noticing when he was being followed. He kinda had to teach himself with how overprotective his mother is.
However, the animal that was following him was... good at hiding their presence, annoyingly so. Definitely a carnivore, quiet on his or her feet, knows where to walk as not to make any sound by natural instinct. Herbivores always slip up some way, because they're not really interested in stalking. Lacking better judgment, he called them out on their shit, "Hey! I know you're watching me. I am not stupid. Do us both a favor and come out or leave, I don't care." His voice lacked any of the fear he should have in a situation like this. With the amount of pranks his carnivore peers tried to pull on herbivores back home, he'd lost most of it, sometimes he was in on them too. Then he heard a twig snap and behind the tree to his left there was a familiar wolf.
He got a strange sense of déjà vu or it was because this wasn't the first time. Now if it happens another time, he'll win the lottery or get straight A's. The wolf looked like he just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Oh", the sheep murmured, looking around if there's more of 701 possibly in on this. Seeing nor hearing anyone else, he addressed him with a smirk. "Legosi, it's you. Almost thought it was some rando. You have a knack for this, don't you?" Shrinking back a little, he let out a soft whimper, the wolf almost hid himself behind the tree again. Wasn't it a bit too late to feel guilty over this? Judging by how far they were off the beaten path, he must've followed him for at least three minutes.
With as much humor and self-preservation as a lamppost, Charlie made his way over to the tree and looked behind it seeing the giant wolf looking surprised he didn't turn tail and run. "What are you doing?", he inquired with a bit of a berating tone, letting one of his brows climb. "I get that I am the hottest sheep in this entire school, but if you wanted to be my boyfriend: you could've just asked." Extending his mean streak was very important for a sheep of his class. The look of sheer horror as the joke landed was absolutely priceless. Almost immediately, Legosi shook his head and flailed his hands in negation. "W-WHAT?! N-No! I just s-saw you w-walking! I wanted to s-say hi, b-but..."
Hilariously, he looked like he just got caught red handed peeping. Shortly after, his nose scrunched up at Charlie still sporting his cigarette. Muttering a quick apology, he threw it away, though the scent was still stuck to his breath. "Relax, I am not mad", Charlie replied airily, Legosi quickly calming down yet still a bit nervous. This wolf is such a weirdo. "Next time just tap me on the shoulder. You'll give other animals the wrong idea~." Not being too surprised by his reasoning, the sheep gave a curt laugh. The simplest explanations were most often the correct ones. Charlie knew about a canine's tendency to follow, thanks to Jenna, and thought nothing of it.
This guy, despite his stature, was totally harmless. Sitting at the same table for days on end had taught him so. When realization dawned on him, Legosi's face contorted to disappointment, mainly at himself for being so stupid. The Dorper sheep figured him lucky, that it wasn't his first rodeo with carnivores who did this. If it was any other herbivore they would've screamed bloody murder and the wolf would've been in mountains of trouble. Considering the school's current... political climate, it would've almost been in his best interests to do the same, were it a stranger, of course. Without much warning, Charlie began walking again, motioning for the wolf to follow him. It was about time for dinner anyway, better to meet Jack and the boys halfway.
It took a little bit of time for Legosi to register what was going on and he quickly caught up. Must be nice having long legs. It would be so much easier to get everywhere. "So, Legosi", Charlie began, gathering the wolf's attention as his ears perked up. "What have you been up to? Except for following me, of course." Being blasé and lighthearted about it was the sheep's best shot at getting the wolf to not shut down. Oh, how he remembered when Tom, Timo and Tierno continuously followed him together when he was at Jenna's place. They were silently apologetic for hours until Charlie had to tell them it was fine.
The question caught him off-guard, though he quickly recovered and rambled about a list of things without putting too much mind to it. "Uh, w-well, I have been quite busy with preparations for Adler... How do I say it in English...? Uhhh, y'know, that... play everyone is going on about?" Now that he mentioned it... that was what those dramatic posters were about. He figured out the dates for this weekend, but he couldn't read them to save his life. He's helping to orchestrate that thing? Why was this never brought up at the table before? The sheep whistled looking impressed, "Wow! That's cool! Are you an actor?" Given how quiet the wolf was, it was kind of a dumb question. But, who's to say he doesn't have a more outspoken side?
Legosi shook his head sporting a neutral smile. "No, I'm a, uhhhh, stagehand...? I... take care of the lights and the elec-tric-al equip-pment." The technical aspect of things, huh? I think I'd get electrocuted if I even breathe into the direction of a breaker box. If the wolf was a handy animal, maybe he could help him out with his MP3 that was malfunctioning. Normally, he would go to a shop to get it repaired, but... lockdown. "Sounds... interesting! Not much for theatre myself, though as long as you're having fun!", Charlie said. "Anything else a refined wolf such as yourself likes to do?" He gave it some genuine thought, almost making it seem like he wasn't up to a whole lot outside of his... responsibilities.
As they walked towards the more used paved pathways, he made up his mind and listed off a few things, "I take care of my pet beetle, I helped Collot and Voss solve a problem with some bullies yesterday and-" He fell silent, as Charlie gave him a look at what just left his maw. Rubbing his temples, the wolf let out a deep groan at just having mouthed off. In an effort to not sound boring, he impulsively let that drop. Intrigued, Charlie gave him a grin that indicated that there was no way he'd get out of this one; he would probably have to kill him to manage that. Now he was better off spilling the beans, rather than the sheep asking the fennec and sheepdog on his own.
Going through the five stages of grief at once, Legosi accepted his predicament and began slurring together a story with just enough cohesion that the sheep could understand. The basic gist of what he could gather through the broken English and the translation of sentences from his phone: is that Miguno was getting bullied. Emphasis on the past tense. And it wasn't something cute such as name calling or slapping books out of his hands; it was physical abuse. The mere mention making Charlie seethe with putrid vitriol, if he ever acquired the names of those responsible they wouldn't find employment for the rest of their puny lives.
Legosi, Collot and Voss took matters into their own hands, using a video recording of their 'activities' as leverage. Otherwise, no teacher or faculty would lift a finger. When that didn't work exactly as they planned, the wolf just came up behind them as an extra deterrent if they ever caught them pulling stuff like that again. Also, explaining why he didn't see the hyena at lunch and dinner yesterday and also today. They took him to the nurse's office to get his wounds treated and judging from the wolf's expression when he told about his visit, it wasn't pretty. Apparently, his ribs were damaged and bruises covered his upper body from top to bottom. The thought of seeing one of his friends in such a state made the sheep visibly upset.
Bereft of words is what he is, that some animals could be so cruel and petty as to gang up against someone who they know cannot fight back. And they say lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place. Almost instinctively, he pulled out another cigarette and was at the precipice of lighting it up, but the lighter wasn't staying on due to the strong winds. After six attempts, he just threw the damn thing to the ground. All the while, Legosi looked at him as if he was gauging his reaction, appraising him. Fuck! Damn this place to hell! Objectively, he hated this educational facility just as much as his old high school.
But, being with Jenna just made it leagues better to handle. How dependent was he on her anyway? The only thing he thinks about is going back to Germany and being with his friends again. However, that means being stuck in his house with his parents again, and that was a fate worse than death. Charlie felt like he was walking a tightrope that was being snipped down at both ends. Even with everything going on, he had to make do with the cards he was dealt. Maybe it was for the better to learn how to make the best out of a bad situation. During his stint here, he had made plenty of friends and it seemed appropriate to quit thinking about 'what ifs' back in Germany.
It would only get in the way. Instead of throwing these pity parties, he might as well show Jenna he's having a 'good' time here. Bitte, Wenn Oma mich jemals so sehen würde... After dinner he was going to visit the poor hyena. With a new plan in mind, the ravaging storm on his psyche eased. Charlie craned his neck backwards and up to Legosi. "Hey... This might sound a bit sudden, but... would you mind taking a picture with me?", he asked with a hefty sigh, taking out his phone. "I promised a friend to show what I am doing every so often." The wolf blinked a couple of times before his tail started to wag, indicating that he would like to. Giving the affirmative with a couple of nods.
Getting into a better position where the light wouldn't obscure most of his camera, Charlie adjusted a few settings getting a clearer screen, not seeing the wolf put in a lot of effort to get into position. Brazenly, he pulled the wolf down by his tie, a grunt escaping Legosi's maw. "Crouch down a bit. Otherwise, I'll only capture your chest." Silently, he obliged his command and stared blankly at the screen, Charlie shooting him a look of exasperation. Do I really have to fill in all the gaps? It's like he has never done this before! "Come on! You can do better than that tacit little grin! Show me those pearly whites!"
Legosi looked at him apprehensively, as though this was the first time he has ever smiled. "I-I can't. It goes against carnivore etiq-" It seemed like he was trying to be thoughtful, but this was really pushing his patience. If he had inhibitions about fangs, he wouldn't have hung out with them in the first place. "I don't wanna hear it. Smile for the camera", Charlie said leaving no room for retort. It would be in the wolf's best interest to let loose for once and enjoy the moment for what it was. The sheep motioned for him to hurry up, Legosi's lips crawling up ever so slightly though not too far.
Quickly, he snapped a salvo of pictures before it was too late. Looking them over, three of them were nice enough to send to Jenna and the others were a bit... too creepy. The sheep gave the wolf a couple of pats on the back, "Much better! No need to be so careful with me. My best friend is a golden jackal. Look." Tapping on his gallery, he showed the wolf a couple of pictures of them together. One where her little brothers used him as a reluctant jungle gym, others where he joined them for family dinner and one where they explored an abandoned mineshaft with her cousin Hugo. The wolf took great interest in the pictures, looking at them with a content gaze and an approving nod.
It was a little weird why he was so excited about Charlie being buddy-buddy with a carnivore, but it was probably a canine thing. Other than that, he was the most quiet and solitary carnivore he has ever had the pleasure of meeting. Even for a wolf he must be a definite outlier to his species. "I... think it's nice. You're one of the few herbivores I know that are so close to carnivores without needing something", Legosi complimented. Where is this coming from? This is the most I've heard him say in almost a week! "Most wouldn't even give us the time of day if we don't have something to offer. You're so much different. It's an... ad-mira-ble trait."
Surprised would be an understatement, Charlie was dumbstruck. That sounded uncharacteristically cynical for someone like Legosi. Maybe it was the language barrier, but it makes it seem the wolf doesn't see many herbivores in a positive light. English wasn't his first language, so he probably just misspoke. Brushing that aside for the sake of his mood, the Dorper sheep decided to take the compliment for what it was. "Uhm, thanks? Anyway, let's go get dinner I am starved!" Like any carnivore, the wolf agreed and they both made their way towards the cafeteria without so much as a hitch.
Reflection is important. More important than others give it credit for. In life you don't really get a whole lot of time to breathe, except for the superficiality of what others like to call 'breaks'. But that aside. When was the last time you've truly thought about who you are and what you've been doing with your time on this planet? What have you accomplished up until now? Many will tell you that you can do anything, if you put your mind to it. But, what if someone else said: "Fuck that!" And goes out of their way to ruin your life? To make you feel little and insignificant for who you are and what you might do; to kick you down to feel better about themselves and to make sure you won't 'try' anything.
The ones that make you think that asking for help is pathetic and unbecoming of you; the ones making you feel like your whole life won't be anything but a perpetuating cycle of pain, misery and suffering. If you don't have anyone to confide in or refuse to address the issues at hand, you'll more than likely give up trying to fight back for something better and always assume that this is what you deserve. Though most of the time, that isn't true; you always deserve better. However, you can't always do everything by yourself even if you don't want to burden those close to you.
Maybe you don't think it, but there's plenty of people who care more about you than you might think. There's always someone who can help you. Not because they need something from you, but because they care. Miguno didn't get it. Why did he think that they would go away once he gave them what they wanted? Why didn't he just ask for help? He was pretty sure it wasn't pride. Shame. It was most definitely shame. The hyena didn't want anyone to see him like that, and especially not him. But now, he just feels stupid. By hiding it and playing it off, he had only hurt himself and his roommates more in the process. Now that he thought about it: he should've told Kai once he had the opportunity.
If he catches wind of this now, he'll be so dead; he won't stop pestering him until he gives up the names. Though being in the infirmary and lying down on this bed made Miguno feel dead. The food here was straight from the cafeteria, but eating it by himself was horribly dull. He had to get the fuck out of here. The adrenaline had numbed the pain significantly, so walking away would be no issue. Alas, the only thing in his way was that damn cougar nurse keeping guard. What is a young hyena to do about that? For once, he actually did the smart thing and picked up his phone from the night stand. Who was he gonna text? Collot, Voss weren't gonna do it, Legosi would fumble it somehow; drop the ball and Jack was too busy.
That left Durham... and he really didn't want to explain everything to him. It would be annoying, but he didn't see a whole lot of options. Oh, please Rex save my sinful soul... With a heavy slew of inhibitions, he send a message to Durham to bail him out of here, because he was losing his mind. Not two minutes later, the coyote said he was coming and that he had a plan. Half an hour passed, and still he hadn't seen any signs that the coyote was coming to his rescue. What's taking him so long? Did he get caught up in something...? No, he would've send me a message. He was about to send another text when he heard a ruckus at the door. "Hey, nurse lady! I need some help with my hand here", a blessed voice boomed through the room.
The nurse got up from her chair and asked what happened for it to even be like that. The coyote was happy to give an explanation. "Cut it on a sharp corner of some wall. Wanna know if it isn't infected or some shit." A lie for sure. Was he planning to distract her by leading her on? It would only work for so long and her ears are sensitive. Appraising his features, the cougar nodded, "The wound is shallow, so it's probably not infected, but it's better if I use an antiseptic just in case. Come with me." Wordlessly, the coyote agreed, both of them walked further in, Durham trying really hard not to look Miguno straight in the eyes as he passed.
When they made it to her desk with all the medicine for various purposes, he made an effort to accidentally knock off a glass bottle from the table. The shattering of glass echoed through the room, and Miguno took this as his opportunity to flee. Having already put on his shoes. Meanwhile, to distract the cougar further Durham yelled loudly, "OH MY GOSH! I am so sorry! Let me pick them up!" He crouched down to pick up the sharp glass off of the floor; the nurse immediately trying to pull him back up lest he cut himself. He's really playing this up! I guess I actually owe him one now... Bolting out of the door, the hyena didn't hear anyone yell at him to come back, so he was in the clear, for now.
His ribs throbbed at the exertion and his shoulders felt heavy, but it was background music compared to the feeling of adrenaline he got from that entire thing. Now all he needed was a place to hide. The school building was off-limits, they would find him in no time flat. His best bet was the dorms, but not his room; much rather the roof. Nobody ever came up there and it was very easy to hide up there if anyone came up the stairs. As he reached the cool air of the late afternoon, he slowed down his pace. It wouldn't help him to run across the campus like a mad dog, with all the animals around him infesting every nook and cranny that would be moronic.
When he finally arrived at the male carnivore dorm, Miguno send Durham a quick text thanking him and that he was going to the rooftop. He praised his lucky stars that nobody was at the reception area and continued down the hallway. Walking up the stairs was an effort, but it would mitigate the chances of getting caught by the dorm mother. That mandrill knew about everything in and out of the dormitories; she would most certainly send him back. When he reached the fourth floor, his phone buzzed, the coyote responded with quote: 'B rite ther, gota get sum grub 4 us'. Oh, fuck. Right, dinner, totally forgot about that. Being reminded of it, his stomach rumbled at the mere mention of food.
Something he would only get once he was at the top of this damned mountain of a dorm. He didn't even know what was on the menu today, but Durham would pick out the things he liked. Better to get the task at hand over with, so he could enjoy food with his best friend. After finally making his way up that grueling staircase, he basically fell through the door needing to catch his breath. The air up here was so much cooler than at the ground level and Miguno was all the better for it. Last time he was up here was a while ago, over the summer vacation two days before he had to leave to visit his grandparents. He liked stargazing, but his busy schedule never really allowed for such activities. It was a bit of a shame really.
Positioning himself near the fence, his eyes wandered around the campus. The coyote was still nowhere to be seen. He'll probably be a while. Better to make myself comfortable then. Sitting down on the ground, he looked at the city in the distance and longed to be out of here soon. He missed visiting his folks over the weekends, even though it hadn't even been two weeks. They're rather tight knit, so not seeing his parents and siblings for an extended period of time was unusual and foreign to him. Family is something that really matters, because in the end it will be all you have left. If Marion ever found out about the bullying it would be hell unleashed on earth; his sister was the most dominant animal he knew and he would pray for even his enemies if they had the bad luck to stand against her.
Honestly, he was lucky to have them. Totally lost is what he would be without their antics. The door behind him creaked, turning his head, in the opening stood an eagerly grinning Durham with two brown plastic bags. Face instantly lighting up, the hyena, however improper, nearly salivated at the sight. "It's feeding time, Miggs! It's the good stuff too!", he exclaimed as he quickly pulled over next to him, handing him what smelled like something with rice, though he couldn't pin it down exactly. It smelled really good.
Opening the bag it was specialty soy bean casserole! They only make those on really rare occasions! When he got the plastic box out of the bag his hands started shaking to pull at the lid already. Though he was interrupted by Durham... pulling up his shirt. The look of horror on his face from seeing all the purple bruises turned to immediate anger, though not directed at Miguno. Durham's scowl deepened and his eyes almost spat fire, that's how furious he was. If he wasn't his best friend he would do himself some due diligence and get the hell away.
"Who?", Durham growled, letting go of the shirt, catching the hyena by surprise. Instantaneously, he became very uncomfortable with where this conversation was headed. "Tell me, Miguno, this isn't a request. The names and species of the assholes that did this to you, now!" Even after all the painful hours of bullying, he never learned their names; only their species. And he was most definitely not going to sic Durham on them, he would stand no chance in hell against a rhino, a white tiger and a mountain lion, not even to mention all the other animals involved. Miguno gave him a disapproving look, everything up to this point was so nobody except him would get hurt. The hyena's eyelids became moist. Rex be damned if he allowed that to happen to him.
In a flash, Durham gave Miguno a caring embrace, all the righteous fury replaced by protectiveness. It was so sudden he almost dropped his food on the ground. Carefully, he placed the box down and reciprocated the coyote's gesture. Melting into the hug. "Why didn't you tell me?", Durham murmured into the hyena's shoulder, his voice melancholy. He pulled his face back as he looked them in the eyes. "I could've done something about it... I'm your friend, Miguno. We've been friends since kindergarten!" Letting out a deep sigh, Miguno's lip quivered as the pend up emotions flooded to the surface.
This entire thing made him feel so empty that he hadn't even brought himself to process it yet. A few tears he didn't know he had in him, escaped his eyelids as his voice broke. "I-I-I am s-sorry! I w-was so sc-scared! I d-didn't w-want to br-bring any o-of you into t-this!" Pulling him closer again, the coyote shushed him while patting his backside. His cries turned into that abysmal cackle he himself hated, but Durham didn't seem to mind. Durham positioned his maw closer to his ear and empathized softly, "Shhhh. Now, now... it's fine. I am here. Just let it out, everything's going to be alright." Why couldn't he be less of a coward? Why does he insist on pulling himself through the wringer like this?
Sometimes he just wished he was more like Kai. Not some emotional, sentimental, weak, pathetic excuse for a hyenidae. Why does everyone always have to solve his problems? How come he isn't strong enough to do it by himself? "D-Durham", Miguno choked, anger seeping into his tone as he still continued to cry. "I-I...! W-Why am I-I so pitiful?! Everyone a-always k-knows I am an-an easy target, b-because I'm weak!" The coyote pushed himself out of the hug gently, still holding him by the shoulders with an affectionate smile. Tears were still in free-fall, despite the hyena's efforts to keep them away. However, it was like he didn't even have any autonomy over his own body as he kept sobbing.
Durham wiped the tears away from his eyes as his expression turned more serious. "Never and I mean never say such things about yourself, Miguno", he scolded, cradling his head, wiping at the moist fur. "You're the most passionate, talented and caring person I know. Not in a million years should anyone be able to take that away!" The hyena, through all the tears, cracked an appreciative smile. Miguno hugged him again, more tightly this time as he murmured into his chest, "Thank you... You have no idea how much that means to me..." Putting his nose near his scent gland, he instinctively sniffed it. His muscles relaxed at the slightest hint of the aroma. It always managed to calm him down, Durham has always been there for him and he associated his smell with safety and comfort.
If the coyote noticed, he sure didn't mind; Durham began scratching behind his ear to soothe him, exactly like they always did when they were kids. "I will always be here if you need me, Miggs. You can always count on me." It wasn't a lie, the coyote was the most dependable animal he knew. Whatever issues he might have to face, Durham has pretty much been a constant in his life. And, honestly, he never wanted to let go of him. "I know...", Miguno whispered, his crying replaced by content hums. "You're always so well put together... Oftentimes, I am a bit jealous of how seamless you are." The coyote was so much stronger than he'll ever be: in mind, body and spirit.
Judging by the movement of his chest Durham was chuckling; from the corner of the hyena's eye he saw him shaking his head. "You give me way too much credit. Everyone has their own issues and something they're bad at, you dork. Even me!" Even if that was true, to Miguno he was perfect as if Rex himself smiled upon the coyote. This man, his best friend that has been with him through thick and thin, was the one and only for him. Not a minute went by where his thoughts weren't occupied by his voice, his smile and his confidence. Every moment of goodwill and sense of justice made his spine tingle, and every time he was in the same room as him; he had to resist the urge to use him as a soft comforting pillow. There was no doubt about it now nor was there ever: he was hopelessly, absolutely in love with him.
Females have never really been his thing, especially with how domineering female hyenas could get, it just wasn't his cup of tea. They would find him too soft anyway. And with Durham, that stupidly handsome, immature, crass idiot, he always seemed the happiest. He only discovered his affection for him the moment they both started rooming together and ever since he had no idea what to even do with himself. Ribs starting to ache a little, Miguno ruefully broke the hug with a smile, looking way better than he did a few minutes ago. "Yes, I know", the hyena agreed with a strained laugh. "I think you have the most chaotic bunk I've ever seen! You are a hot mess!" The glimmer in Durham's eyes basically confirmed Miguno's statement.
He let out a playful, lighthearted retort, "Ah, come on, Miggs! You wound me! I am not a hot mess, I am a spicy disaster!" That suaveness, he would drink that in for the entire day if he had his way. How much he wished he could kiss him right now. Yet, no matter how much he dreamt or wrote songs about it, he knew that he could quite possibly never be his. The hyena sat back in his own spot, suddenly he wasn't very hungry anymore. Forcing his eyes away from Durham, he looked over at the city again. Life went on even with everything that was going on and it didn't wait for anyone. Those that it left behind, inevitably had to catch up; in that, they were all equals.
Sundown was near and the orange hue in the air made him feel... contemplative. Durham mirrored his gaze, watching the cityscape as the light flickered in the distance. Miguno replied trying to keep his voice even, "Why can't you be both? You're pretty decent at multitasking when it comes to turning our room into a war-zone!" Laughing, the coyote gave him a soft punch on the shoulder, picking up his box which was definitely cold by now and began to eat. Durham spoke with his mouth full. "I guess that's true! Though that's why you love me! I keep you guys in shape!" Giving a weak laugh, the hyena followed suit and opened the box, trying to eat... something; his appetite was really ruined now.
Who was he fooling? Things would never change this way... he would forever be trapped in a vicious cycle of unreciprocated affection. Confessing his feelings was the only way to break free, but he was too afraid they would be unrequited on his part. Maybe it was for the best if he never confessed in the first place, that would mean he couldn't get rejected and his heart would be forever intact. Miguno didn't know if he could ever take that blow, not even to speak what that might do to their friendship if things went tits up. Durham has never struck him as someone into guys. The coyote was always chatting it up about females he's been eyeing; if he was gay or even bisexual, Miguno would've noticed by now.
Durham's never been seen in an actual relationship, not for the lack of interest other beasts had in him either; he simply never bothered for reasons the hyena couldn't discern. And, if he had been in a relationship with another female, his scent would've ratted him out, unless he liked to shower for half a day. UGHHH, WHAT DO I DO?! AT THIS RATE, I WILL BE ON MY DEATHBED BEFORE I TELL HIM! Mother had always told him that actions spoke louder than words, maybe that was what he had to do. Still, the actual prospect made him shiver. "Durham...?", Miguno murmured, the coyote's ears perking up at that calling of his name before swallowing. "Can... I have another hug? Please?"
Without hesitation, Durham put down his casserole and opened his arms wide, allowing Miguno access. At speed he was going, it could be called a pounce as they both landed on the ground. Miguno's tail wagged happily, despite the fact that it isn't something hyenas are known for. He just wanted to let Durham know he was okay. "Woah, there! At this rate you'll stand a chance at the next competition!", the coyote joked. Being slightly winded by the suddenness of it all, Durham quickly recovered. "But, all jokes aside, I am happy you're doing better. If something like that ever happens again, please, for the love of Rex, just tell me..."
Miguno sighed, giving into the coyote's request. "I love you." Wait! SHIT! DID I SAY THAT OUT LOUD?! Panic rushed through his veins as his fur bristled, his heartbeat accelerating. Durham noticed this and playfully patted him on the back. "Love you too, dummy! Couldn't ask for a better friend." He wasn't taking it seriously and brushed it off like a joke. This time he wouldn't run from it, now is a better time than ever. Pushing himself up, he now looked down on his best friend lying there with a silly smile. "No, you dunce! I am dead serious! I. LOVE. YOU!", Miguno repeated once more, shocked at his own forwardness. He needed to get this over with, now.
Opening his mouth, the coyote was about to say something in response, but the hyena interrupted him. "Get it through your thick skull! I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU!" Now that he actually said it, he felt so much lighter, but there still was a sense of impending dread as Durham's face has basically turned to a statue. Deep down, he already knew what his answer to that would be. Durham's expression said it all. For once in his life, Miguno was going to be selfish and get something that he wanted. In his own adrenaline, brazenness and fear: he kissed him. Though that didn't last him very long, as the hyena swiftly received a punch to his face right after.
The hit made him recoil backwards, landing with his back on the ground. All the air being sucked out of his lungs, as the fall made his entire ribcage throb with pain. Taking a couple of deep breaths, he gathered enough air to make the haziness in his eyes go away. Feeling at his face, there was a burning sensation on his right cheek, it coming from his best friend made it hurt even more. Mustering up enough strength in his neck to look up at him, Durham looked very mad; mad in a way he has never seen him before. "WHAT THE FUCK, MIGUNO?! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!", Durham yelled looking about ready to beat him bloody. "YOU THINK I AM SOME FILTHY FA-" he paused, stopping himself from what he was about to call him. The coyote immediately waved his hands in negation, looking mortified. "-Wait, Miguno, no, I am sorry!"
Those words were like a stab in the heart. It was so... painful, that the physical strain on his body was nothing compared to the heartbreak he felt now. The floodgates immediately opened and his jaw shook uncontrollably. Miguno made the most miserable sound he had ever heard himself make as he spoke, "Y-YOU ARE A FUCKING ASSHOLE! I HATE YOU!" The coyote tried to reach out to him, but he slapped his hand away. Being rejected was fine, actually he expected it, but to be invalidated in such a way... was too much. Before he could even think about something more to say, Miguno got up and ran off. Leaving Durham in the dust. All the while, tears streamed down his face. He ran down the flight of stairs quicker than he has ever done. Never in his life has the feeling of total isolation been so complete.